EMINISCEHCE 




SPANISH-AMERICAN 




l>litli!i!t{ll!l 'II 



iiiiii 




Class 
Book. 



Copyright )^^° 



^^»5 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSfR 



REMINISCENCES 



OF THE 



Spanish-American War 

In Cuba 
and the Philippines 

BY 

CHARLES F. GAUVREAU 

/I 

Ex-priviite, Co. G, 21st Inft. 



THE AUTiroKs rrHLiyirixG ro., 

KousES Point, N. Y- 
1015 



I^i5 



Copyright, 1915 
All Rights Reserved 



MAY 26 1915 

(e)C|.A406342 



PREFACE. 

IN'early a score of years has passed since 
the Spanish- American War in Cuba and the 
Phihppine insurrection. ^lany books have 
been written of the war and its causes, but it 
lias never come to my attention that any author 
has written reminiscences of actual service at 
the front. It has not been and will not be my 
purpose to give you a complete history of the 
war with Spain, but sincerely believing that it 
might be of special interest to my friends and 
acquaintances, I have concluded to narrate my 
personal experiences while in the service with 
the 21st United States Infantry, oftentimes 
called " The President's Own." The 21st In- 
fantry was considered one of the best drilled 
regiments in the army at the time of the war, 
and had earned the marked respect of all the 
citizens of the city of Plattsburgh, New York, 



6 PREFACE. 

at which place tlie regiment was stationed when 
war was declared. In tlie summer of 1897 
President and JNIrs. McKinley were stopping 
at Hotel Champlain, Bluff Point, Xew York. 
On this occasion the President reviewed the 
regiment, and ]Mrs. JMcKinley presented to it 
a beautiful silk flag. Tliere will be found 
several pictures in this book. Undoubtedly the 
reader will recognize many of them. 

Charles F. Gauvreau. 




^X.-::' 



LIST OF ILLUSTKATIOXS. 



The Author Frontispiece. 

Opposite Page. 
Secretary of War, Alger, Presenting the Colors to the 21st 

Infantry. August is. IsiiT 

21st Infantry T.eaxing Plattsburg for Cuba, 189S . . . H5 

Group of (i. Company taken in camp at Tampa, Fla. . . 20 

Commissioned Officers of the 21st Infantry 24 

Fording the San .Tuan River. Cuba. .Tuly 1st. ls!»8 . . . 33 

Digging Trenches on San Juan Hill. Cuba. lM>s . . . .3.") 

On the Look Out in the Trenches 3S 

Taken While in Action, isns 42 

Firing a Salute at the P.urial of a Dead Comrade . . . 45 

Cooking in the Field 40 

Santiago Harltor Looking Out to Sea 50 

G-Company of the 21st Taken P>efore the War .... 52 

Fort Montgomery. Rouses Point. X. Y 54 

Arrival of the 21st Infantry fmm Cuba at Plattsburg, 

Sept. K), 1S!),S 5(1 

Guard House and quarters at Plattsl)urg I'arraeks . . 5S 

Parade (Jrounds at Plattsburg Barracks 02 

Main Street. Rouses Point. N. Y <;i4 

Unveiling of the Soldiers Memoi'ial at the .Vdministratinn 

Building, Plattsburg. N. Y 66 

General Roll Call of the 21st Infantry Before Bearding 

The Train for the IMiilii)pines. April 10, 1S99 ... 69 
21st Infantry Boarding the Train for the Philippines, 

April 10, 1S99 71 

The Transport Hancock on Which the 21st Infantry Sailed 

to the Philippines 78 

Battery on Corregidor Island that Dewey Silenced May 1, 

1S9S 84 

7 



8 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



t was ]• 



P. I. 
I'. I 



Opposite 
Diserultarkinu of Troops on the Bay, Manila. P. I. 
Eiitraiice of tlie Pasig River, P. I. . 

Tlie El Deposoto, P. I 

San Juan Bridge Upon Which the First Sh 

Feb. 4, 1S99 

Admiral Dewey Taken at Manila, P. I. . 

Cultivating liice in the Pliilippines . 

A Cannon Made of Bamboo by the Filipiiuis 

Burial of a Filipino 

(ieneral Otis and Staff in Manila. P. I. . 
Bang-Bang Bridge Destroyed by the Filipin 

Calamita River at Calamba 

A-Comi)any of the 21st Infantry at Los P.an 
Self pr<iC'laimed Dictator Emilo Aguinaldo 
Tlie <Jun Boat Laguna de Bay .... 

Native Houses at Calamba 

Cattling and Ilotchldss (4uns .... 

I'^ilipinos Dead in the Trenches 

After the Battle of Santa Anna. P. I. . 

Battle Field at Calamba. I'. I. . . . 

First Reserve Hospital at Manila. P. I. . 

Ceneral Lawton's Funeral at Manila. P. I. 

Croup of C. Company Taken at Calamba. I* 

The Lunata oi- Park in Manila. P. I. . 

The Bridge of S]iain over the Pasig River. Man 

Soldier Taking a Ride in a .Tinrikisha 

Discliarged Soldiers and .Japanese Wonu 

Nagasaki. .Japan 

Angel Island. San Francisco. Cal. 

Cliff House and Seal Rocks, Sau Francisco, Cal 



la. P. 
raken 



Page. 

ss 
!)0 



93 
94 
97 

98 
100 
102 
104 
106 
108 
110 
112 
115 
110 
118 
120 
122 
124 
12G 
128 
131 
132 
137 



1.38 
140 
142 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 
CIIAPTKR I 

MY EMJ.STMENT OFF FOK fTnA l."> 



CHAPTER II 

THE LAXDIXG -J 

CHAPTKK III 

AT SAX J IAN IIII.L 30 

CHAPTKK IV 

THE president's MESSAC.E SURREXDER OF OEX'L TOKAL. . 40 

ciiAPTi:i: \' 

RETIKN TO THE IXITEI) STATES 49 

CHAPTKU \"I 

RECEPTION AT PEATTSRl'RO oS 

CHAPTER VII 

ORDERED TO THE PHILIPPINES <l7 

CHAPTER VIII 

ARRIVAL AT MAXILA 77 

CHAPTER IX 

AT EL DEPOSOTO 8^ 

9 



10 CONTENTS. 

PAGE 
CHAPTER X 

BATTLE OF CALAMBA I'JO 

CHAPTEK XI 

DEFEAT OF THE INSURGENTS H- 

CHAPTER XII 

FUNERAL OF GENERAL LAWTON 1-- 

CHAPTER XIII 

MANILA JAPAN l-*^ 



CHAPTER XIV 

SAN FRANCISCO HOMEWARD BOU 



139 



CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF BATTLES AND ACTIONS 14!l 

THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS l'^-^ 

UNITED — POETRY ^'^^^ 



REMINISCENCES 

OF THE 

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



I. 



3IY ENLISTMENT OFF FOR CUBA. 

The Island of Cn])a is the largest of the 
West Indies, and lies ahoiit 12o miles from 
the southern point of Florida. It has often 
been called the " Pearl of the Antilles." Its 
population is approximately 2,000,000, two- 
thirds of whom are white and of Sj^anish 
origin, the remaining inhal)itants being a 
mixed dark race, mostly negroes. Havana is 
the largest city, with a population of about 
300,000. 

For several years Spain had ruled over 
Cuba. The tyrannical governors sent by the 
Spanish Government to Cuba pillaged and 
2)ilfered until the inhabitants could stand the 
same no longer. jNIany revolts occiu'red, but 
they were of little avail. It seemed at times 
that tlie civilized nations of the world would 
take the Cuban matter in hand, and teach 

13 



14 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

Spain a lesson. However, it will be seen that 
it remained for the United States to do this 
work. 

The United States Government sent the 
battleship " Maine " in February, 1898, on a 
friendly visit to Havana, the Cuban capital. 
The guns of JNIoro Castle cannonaded a salute 
to the American battleship as it entered the 
harbor. A pilot of the Spanish Government 
took her safely to her allotted place in the har- 
bor. The officers were shown courtesies of 
every kind. The " Maine " carried 360 officers 
and men on board. On the night of February 
15th, 1898, while everything was silent in the 
harbor, and most of the ship's population w^ere 
asleep, an explosion of incomparable force 
shattered the stillness of the night. Portions 
of the shi]) leaped high into the air amid the 
rushing of waters, and then sank until only an 
unrecognizable part could be seen. Of the 360 
on board, 260 went down to their death. 

Immediately many people charged this 
horrible affair to schemings of the Spanish 
authorities. Of coin"se the Spanish Govern- 
ment denied the blame, and after it had con- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 15 

ducted a so-called investigation, announced 
that the " JMaine " had been destroj'ed by an 
internal explosion. An American Court of 
Inquiry carefully went into the details of the 
case, and on JMarch 21st confirmed the view 
which ^^ as held by most of the world, that the 
" JMaine " had been blown up by a submarine 
mine. 

The ^Vmerican j^foplc became inflamed, and 
were anxious to draw sword. From the At- 
lantic to the Pacific, and from the Canadian 
boundary to the Gulf of Mexico there was a 
unanimous oi)inion of all citizens that Spain 
should be immediately chastised. " Remember 
the iMain " was the quotation heard from the 
hps of every one. 

On April 20tli Congress declared war 
against Spain by setting foi-th that the people 
of Cuba were and of right ought to be free and 
independent. To compel Spain to with(h-aw 
from Cuba Jind Cuban waters, our army, 
navy and militia Avere placed at President 
jMcKinley's disposal. 

President JMcKndey called for 12.5,000 vol- 
unteers to serve for two years. 



16 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

At the time I was living in the village of 
Rouses Point, Clinton County, Xew York, 
which is still my home. The President's call 
for volunteers aroused all the patriotism in me. 
It did not take me long to decide that I would 
respond to my country's call, but being only 
nineteen years of age, it was necessary for me 
to obtain my father's consent. 

I approached my father and laid my plans 
before him. They did not meet with his ap- 
proval. In fact, he told me to discard from my 
mind the idea that I wanted to go to war. 
However, this did not discourage me, and on 
the following morning I boarded a train for 
Plattsburgh, at which place there was a re- 
cruiting station. On arriving there 1 pro- 
ceeded to the Government Post where I was 
given the proper blanks to be signed by my 
father. With these papers I returned home 
the same evening. The next day was one of 
the most important in my life. In order to en- 
list it was absolutely necessary for my father to 
sign the papers which I had obtained. I went 
to him again and stated that I had firmly de- 
cided to go to w^ar, and asked him to give his 



1— ~^ '■ 



"' 2. ^ 




SPANISH-AMEHICAX WAR 17 

consent. After niiieli argument he realized 
that I was much in earnest, and decided to let 
me have my own way. 

Ilavinu' obtained mv father's signature I 
returned to Plattsburgh, and on the 13th day 
of May, 1898, I joined Uncle Sam's army. 
Some people believe thirteen to be unlucky, but 
as you proceed with my story you will quickly 
ascertain that it was a very lucky day for me. 

When I arrived at the Barracks there 
were forty-eight other recruits, and they were 
about ready to leave for Tami)a, Florida, at 
which place the 21st was temporarily stationed. 
After arriving at Plattsburgh my great am- 
bition was to have a uniform and rifle. This 
was not issued to recruits until a few days dril- 
ling. It takes some time to make raw material 
look like real soldiers. We were told that in 
two weeks we would be transferred to Fort 
^IcPherson, Georgia, to be given more drilling, 
with the many recruits that had already been 
sent there from the different recruiting stations 
throughout the country. 

Lieutenant Stamper, who was the recruiting 
officer at Plattsburgh, allowed a leave of ab- 



18 REMINISCENCES OE THE 

sence to those wlio lived in the nearby commu- 
nity. I took advantage of this kinchiess by 
visiting my parents and friends for two days 
l)efore leaving for the war. Those two days 
w^re happy ones in a two-fold measure. I was 
glad to be ^vitli my parents and my friends, 
and I anticipated the greatness of soon going 
to the front to uphold the dignity of my coun- 
try. 

On tlie evening of :May 26, 1898, four re- 
cruits, including myself, boarded the train en 
route to Fort ISIcPherson, Ga. We went by 
way of New York City, and after arriving at 
the Grand Central Station we boarded a street 
car for the Ferry wliich would take us to 
Jersey City. I would have liked to have 
stayed in Xew York a little while but we liad 
no time. 

At Jersey City we had a long wait. I paid 
a visit to an aunt of mine residing at that place, 
and enjoyed a good home dinner. Later on I 
met my soldier friends and we proceeded to 
the Pennsylvania Station, and l)oar(led a train 
for Washington, D. C. When we arrived at 
Washington I was pleased to learn that we had 



SPANISII-AMKRICAN WAR 19 

another long wait. 1 liad heard so niucli ahout 
the capital of this great country of ours tliat I 
wanted to see as nuich of it as possible. 

As I was about to leave the station niv at- 
tention w^as called to a star-shaped piece of 
marble in the flooi-, and near it on the wall was 
a sign stating that the late President Garfield 
had been assassinated on that spot. 

The Ca])itol, Washington ^Monument, the 
White House, built of w^iite marble, and Vuvd 
Theater, where the late President Lincohi was 
shot, were all very interesting sights to me. 
What was then the Ford Tlieater is on Tenth 
St. between E and F Sts., and is now owned 
])y the United States Government, being oc- 
cupied by offices of the Pension Division of 
the War Department. How I did wish that I 
might spend more time in Washington, but 
the liours went past quickly, and I soon met 
my friends again at the station, and we started 
on our way to Fort JMcPherson, arriving there 
on the afternoon of the following day. The 
trip was a very pleasant one. 

Temporary shacks, as they are called, had 
been made foi* sleeping (|uaiters. I found 



20 HEMIXISCENCES OF THE 

these not quite so comfortable as my own bed 
at home, and when I awoke in the morning my 
body was somewhat sore. 

The water supply was brought to the shacks 
through pipes laid on the surface. The sur- 
face was of a sandy nature, and consecjuently 
the water w^as somewhat warm. The meals 
were served in a laige hall nearby, and being 
so much different from the table in our own 
dining-room at home, made it somewhat dif- 
ficult, if not awkward, for me in the beginning. 
Here we made oin* first acquaintance with 
military life and learned the meaning of disci- 
pline. 

From the beginm'ng we were given five hours 
drilling; everv dav in the hot sun. This was 
very hard for me, but nevertheless I was cou- 
rageous. After a two weeks' stay at this camp 
I was sent to Tampa, Fla. to join the 21st In- 
fantry. After arriving at Tampa I was as- 
signed to Company G. I soon made the ac- 
quaintance of the older soldiers who were very 
good to me. Their courtesies were appreciated 
very much. The tents had l)een set uj) all 
around this camp because most of the troops 



SPANISH-AMKUTCAX WAR 21 

were to leave for Cuba very shortly. This 
camp was situated in a palm grove, which gave 
us plenty of sliade, but the duties were much 
more difficult than at Foi't JMcPherson, and 
many of the soldiers were taken sick and died 
before we left. 

The Regimental Band, being one of the best 
in the army, furnished us with excellent music 
nearly every night, which helj^ed to entertain 
us. Oftentimes the band played at Tampa 
35ay Hotel, a resort which was always crow^ded 
witli visitors. 

AVe were given better food and also had 
better water than in the other camp, but the 
heat was intense, especially when drilling. 
AVhen all the troops were ready for service the 
general order w^as given to break cam]:), and w^e 
started on our way to the train which was 
to convey the soldiers to Tampa Bay, where all 
the regular United States Transports were 
ready to leave for Cuba under the command of 
General Shaffer of tlie Fifth Army Corps. 

The siglit of the Bay full of sliips, and all 
of tlie liiuM-ying attending an embarkment was 
magnificent and inspiring, and, of course, new 



22 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

to me. As nearly as I caii recollect there were 
about fifty-four Transports, also battleships, 
cruisers and torpedo boats to escort the soldiers 
to Cuba. After we had all been taken aboard 
and were about to sail a thunder storm com- 
menced to I'age, and one of the boats on which 
was tlie 18th United States Infantry, was 
struck by liohtnino-, breaking part of the mast. 
No one was injured, but this caused a delay 
until the next morning. The following morn- 
ing I could see thousands of people on land and 
on boats watcliing us depart, and the bands of 
the different regiments were playing national 
airs. Fathers, sons and brothers were leaving 
for a purpose that would be an everlasting 
])enefit to humanity and luiman civilization. 

It was on June 14tli that we sailed out 
of Tampa Bay with an army of 16,000 men. 
The weather was pleasant and enjoyable. A 
fleet of warships escorted the Transports, 
and among them were the first class battleship 
" Indiana," tlie cruisers " Helena " " Castine " 
and " New Orleans," and the fast despatcli 
boat "Hornet;" also several torpedo boats. 
The fleet was constantly on the alert be- 




■w 



m^^^^' 



-j^y f 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 23 

cause it was known tliat some ships had left 
their hase and no one knew their whereahouts. 
Cevera's fleet was in Santiago harbor, but 
there was no telhng as to where some lone 
Spanish ship might show up, who would at- 
tempt to capture or destroy us. 

During our voyage I noticed a large water 
spout rising from the sea. It was directly in 
our course, but a shot from one of the " In- 
diana's " large guns soon pierced it, and tons 
of water fell back into the sea, making a grand 
sight. 

I was greatly interested as were the rest of 
the soldiers, about where we were going to land. 
Nearly every day the despatch boat, " Hor- 
net " would come along the sides of the Trans- 
ports and give different orders through a 
megajihone. These orders were given by one 
of the officers of the Flag-ship " Indiana." It 
was very difficult to understand what the offi- 
cers said on account of the wind blowing most 
of the time. The soldiers talked among them- 
selves about our landing place. It was to be 
a peculiar experience to put foot on a foreign 
country and take possession of it. It was the 
kind of a story that we had read as boys in 



24 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

school, but I venture to say that no one of us 
had ever thought that we would actually ex- 
perience a conquest. A few of the boys ^vere 
seasick, but after a short time that passed 
away, and they were none tlie worse for the 
experience. 



SPANISH-AIMERICAN WAR 25 



11. 



THE LANDING. 



After the expiration of eight days on water 
we came to a place which was thought to be 
favorable for landing pin-poses. It was a 
small village by the name of Baicjiiiri, located 
on the southern coast of Cuba about twenty 
miles from the city of Santiago. On the 22nd 
day of June, 1898, we jDcrfected a disembark- 
ment, but before this occiu'red the village was 
bombarded to make sure that there would be 
no Spaniards ^^'ho could interfere with our 
operations. Battleships, cruisers and gunboats 
formed a circle, and while this was being done 
the ships were constantly on the move and 
lookout, each taking their turn to shell the 
town. A small block-house stood on the top 
of a hill in the town, and this was struck by a 
shell, but was not completely demolished. 

It certainly was a sight which no one could 



26 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

forget, as we stood by about one mile from 
shore watching the bombardment. The bom- 
bardment lasted about an hom% and then we 
commenced to diseml)ark. 

The horses and mules were thrown over- 
board and swam to shore, while the soldiers 
were taken in row-boats. The fussy small 
steam launches went from ship to ship, with 
their string of rocking row-l^oats, into which 
the men fell, tumbled or sjjrawled, devoid of 
the necessary " sea legs " which the landsman 
needs to acquire if he is to do anything except 
make himself a ridiculous figure on shipboard, 
especially in boarding a tossing row-boat from 
the deck of a rocking, unsteady transport. 
Very few of the soldiers who ferried across to 
Cuba had accpiired these necessary " sea legs " 
because there were not many of us ^vho had 
ever had any sea experience. In fact, some of 
us had never seen the ocean before, and knew 
very little of its storms and calms. 

When the small row-boats were filled the 
race for the shore began. The landing place 
was by no means an easy one. It was a stretch 
of sandy beach, and the surf broke and rolled 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 27 

in a fashion not altogether suited for the trans- 
portation of a hu'ge keel row-boat. These row- 
boats were towed along side of the partly de- 
stroyed docks, and there we had to wait for the 
tide to rise, so that the boats would reach the 
level of the pier. As the boats reached the level 
of the pier we had to jump out. Of course 
many of us fell into the water, which was not 
very pleasant. When we had all landed I 
noticed two large American built locomotives, 
which were owned by the Spanish- American 
Iron Ore Company. Tliese locomotives had 
been partly destroyed during the bombard- 
ment. jNIany shacks were on tire caused by the 
shells thrown from the battleships. 

The Rough Kiders, or the First Cavalry of 
Volunteers, were about the first to land. Soon 
after the landing some of the boys ascended 
the hill and planted the American flag on the 
damaged block-house, which brought cheers 
from all of the soldiers. 

Rations wei-e then given us. and we had our 
meal in the open air. That same night some of 
the regiments started on the march to Saboney, 
which was four miles distant from Baiquiri, 



28 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

but tlie 21st Infantry and several other regi- 
ments camped over niglit at the latter town. 
We slept in the open air, and guards were on 
constant duty to give alarm in case of interfer- 
ence by the Spaniards. 

The next morning at daj^break the remain- 
ing trooj^s started for Saboney, and on this 
hike we passed many shacks where sick and 
starving Cubans lay. These poor fellows had 
been fighting foi- their rights and the freedom 
of their country. They had barely enough 
clothes to cover them, and hardly anything to 
eat. It certainly was a pitiful sight, and many 
of our soldiers contril)uted food to them. 
Some of these poor Cubans were so weak that 
they could ])arely raise an arm to accept what 
we offered them. They had been left alone to 
care for themselves as best they could. 

After we had gone a mile farther we came 
to a lai'ge cocoanut grove where we were al- 
lowed to rest. Wliile we w'cre tliere some 
Cuban scouts whom we had taken from Bai- 
quiri, informed us that the milk of the green 
cocoanut was very refrcsliing. However, it 
was not an easy matter to procme tlie cocoa- 
nuts. The only way was to cut the tree or get 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 29 

the Cubans to climb to the top of the tree and 
break the cocoanuts oif from the branches. 
Cocoanuts fall of their own will only when tliey 
are fully ripe. 

After we had quenched our thirst we con- 
tinued on our march to Saboney. On arriving 
there the first thing that attracted my atten- 
tion was large (juantities of bacon and other 
provisions piled near the shore. This place 
was the principal landing station for supplies. 

We had been at this place only a short time 
when there came to my attention for the first 
time the results of Spanish bullets. I noticed 
dead and wounded soldiers being carried on 
stretchers down a small hill back of the town. 

Before we had arrived the Rough Riders, 
First Cavalry A'olunteers, under the command 
of Colonel Wood, liad alreadv engaged the 
enemy at Guasimas, about two miles out of 
Saboney. The Rough Riders had been am- 
bushed, and it was only through tlie timely 
arrival of the 10th Colored Cavalry that the 
Spaniards w^ere repulsed, but this was not 
brought about until al)out seventy-two men 
liad been killed and many wounded. This 
happened on the ^J'th day of June. 



30 llEMIXISCEXCES OF THE 



III. 



AT SAX JUAX HILL. 



A CIGAR factory at Saboney was converted 
into a hospital, and it was not long before it 
was completely filled with sick and wounded 
soldiers from the many regiments. Om- camp 
was a short distance from a railroad l)ridge 
which was constantly guarded by soldiers. As 
I was passing the hospital I noticed the dead 
bodies of Captain Capron and Hamilton Fish, 
of the Rough Riders. These men had lost 
their lives in the battle of Cxuasimas, and their 
bodies were taken to a ship and transported to 
the United States for burial. 

Colonel ]McKi])bin of the 21st Infantry, who 
later on while in the trenches was promoted to 
the rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers 
and also made temporary jNIilitary Governor 
of Santiago after the siu'render of that city, 
received the order that we should break camp 



SPANISH-AMEKICxVN WAR 31 

and move on farther, as our regiment was sup- 
posed to be in the reserve of General Chaffee's 
Brigade, which consisted of the 7th, 12tli and 
17th regiments of Infantry. 

As we pressed onward we passed many 
newly made graves of Rough Riders who had 
been killed in the recent engagement. The 
l)lace where the fight occin-red was in the 
open, surrounded by low bushes, in which the 
Spaniards hid and waited until the approach 
of the American forces. In the meantime some 
of tlie forces had advanced furtlier towards 
San Juan Hill. That night my regiment 
camped along side of a road at which place 
there was located a pest-house, where the peo- 
j)le who had contracted contagious diseases 
were being kept. A patrol was put on guard 
around this })uilding, and tlie soldiers were for- 
])idden to enter tlie place for fear of catching 
and spreading disease. I was one of the sol- 
diers wlio patrolled tlie pest-house that night. 
During the time of my duty the roof on the 
building caved in, making a terrific noise, and 
for a moment I was (juite certain that the 
Spanish army was charging on me, but this 



32 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

feeling disappeared in a few seconds and I 
recovered my composure. It was found that 
tlie tile covered roof was too heavy for the old 
building, and had given away. 

While stationed at this place I liad already 
seen the pack mules with ammunition on the 
way to the front, together with the advance 
column of General Cliaffee's and General 
Lawton's men. These regiments later drove 
the Spaniards out of El Caney, which is to the 
riglit of San Juan Hill. 

On the first day of July we again started on 
the liike, but we had proceeded only a short 
distance when I began to hear the roar of 
battle. The soldiers who liad gone aliead were 
already engaged with the Spaniards, and tlie 
whizzing of the 31auser l)ullets of the enemy 
over our heads was anotlier new experience for 
me. The bullets were coming too low for com- 
fort, and the command was soon given to lay 
low and to droj^ our knapsacks and liaversacks. 
A horse tliat was feeding along side the road 
only a shcjrt distance from where I lay was sliot 
in the liead. I began to realize that our posi- 
tion was dangerous, and that it was about time 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 33 

to move. Tlie bullets comnieiiced to come 
thicker and faster, and I did not at all wel- 
come their humming. Some of our men had 
already been hit by the ^Mauser bullets, and I 
was expecting that almost any moment 1 
would be one of the victims. 

We pressed onward and soon arrived at 
San Juan River, which we had to cross, hold- 
ing our rifles above our heads, in full view of 
the Si)aniards on the Hill in front of us. In 
affecting this crossing many of the men were 
drowned, some were shot dead, and others were 
wounded, but in the excitement we pressed on- 
ward and the horrible scene seemed to pass 
unnoticed. We soon reached the foot of San 
Juan Hill, which afterwards became famous 
as one of the most important battles of the 
campaign. 

At San Juan Hill the general command was 
given to deploy and form a skirmish line, and 
we lost no time in executing the command. 

We then proceeded to climb the hill which 
was a net-work of barbed wire, bushes and 
shrubbery, and many times we became so en- 
tangled that it seemed almost impossible to go 



34 re:\iiniscences of the 

onward. The barbed wii-e was laid close to 
the ground, and it was difficult to see the same. 
Besides that, the l)lock-h()use situated in front 
of us on the Hill was one of the Spanish strong- 
holds, and the Spaniards made it troublesome 
for us in forcing our way through their lines. 
The ()th and the 16th Infantry and tlie 10th 
Coloi-ed Cavalry Regulars, that had already 
been engaged ahead of us, drove the enemy 
back and captin-ed the block-house. These 
regiments were the first to plant the American 
Flag on top of San Juan Hill, l)ut tlicy did 
not accomplish this until after the sacrifice of 
many lives and the wounding of many l)i'ave 
men. It has been claimed by military experts 
that the JNIauser rifles were of longer range 
and smaller calibre, using smokeless powder, 
and superior to our Krag Jorgensen, and of 
course these better guns were in favor of the 
enemy. Another fact to be remembered is 
that the volunteers were armed with the old 
Springfield rifles of forty-five calibre. 

At sun-down most of the United States 
army had reached the hill. Also General 
Garcia's army of Cubans, and they all took 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 35 

their position on the extreme left of the line. 
The food su2)plies luid followed alonL*', hut 
were in tlie real". 

That night we started to dig trenehes with 
oio" hayonets, which was very slow work, hut 
we managed to scrape nj) enough dirt to make 
some protection. One thing that added to our 
trouhles was tliat we had no drinking water 
and notliing to eat, and, my dear readers, I 
can assure you that it was very trying when 
recollection came to me of all the good things 
that I had had at home, hut I soon discarded 
that from my mind, and my courage was 
aroused to make the hest of all of it. 

For a short time the Spaniards ceased firing, 
l)ut it was not long l)efore they opened up 
again, and our hoys quickly responded. Only 
a few feet to the rear of the trench from where 
I stood one of our soldiers was shot in the side, 
exj^loding some of the cartridges he had in his 
belt, and tearing a large hole in his body. The 
suffering that this poor fellow endured was 
heart rending, but it was soon over with, and 
another brave man liad died fighting for the 
dignity of liis country. 



36 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

That same night picks and shovels were 
given to us to enlarge the trenches that had al- 
ready been started with the bayonets. We 
worked very diligently all of the time during 
the night, and made good use of the im2)le- 
ments. 

AVe had been without food and ^vater for 
about twenty-eight hours. We could get 
along without food much better than without 
water, but there was no time to think of food or 
drink because we were constantly under the 
heavy fire of the Spanish soldiers. About 
twelve o'clock at night Lieutenant Spui'gin 
detailed six men of the company, of whicli I 
was one, to go for water to a small brook about 
a mile in the rear. Each of us took several 
canteens and went along. We ])roceeded to 
the brook with some difficulty, as the niglit was 
very dark, and we did not know the exact loca- 
tion of the water, l)ut after a while we suc- 
ceeded in finding the brook. We filled our 
canteens and started on our way back amid a 
shower of bullets flying thick and fast all 
about us. We finally reached our company in 
safety, and it is needless to say that our efforts 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 37 

were appreciated by the Ixns, who were very 
thirsty and greatly in need of water. This 
water was not eold and clean, hut it (pienched 
our tliirst, and was very welcome. 

While we wei-e away for water the food sup- 
plies arrived, and such as they were, seemed 
to be a godsend. Each soldier was allowed a 
small piece of bacon, three hardtacks, and a 
can of tomatoes to be divided among three. It 
was not very much for one who was hungry, 
but I can assure you that it tasted mighty good 
to me. Later on we were given the famous 
canned roast beef that caused so nmch sick- 
ness, and from the eating of which many of the 
boys suffered fatally. By the time that we 
had gotten our rations the firing had ceased, 
much to our joy, and we wondered what would 
occur next. 

On the 2nd day of July the firing again 
started and lasted until night. The trenches 
we had dug were almost filled with water and 
mud, as it had been raining very hard, and all 
of the boys were drenched through to the skin. 

The line of intreiichments extended about 
ten miles, and the dirt which we had dug out 



38 liEMINISCENCES OF THE 

was th^o^\ll in front of iis to make a breast- 
work. The soil was mostly clay, and very hard 
to excavate, but the officers as well as the men 
had to endure the same hardships. 

We lay there for about seventeen days, 
which seemed like as many weeks. Early on 
the morning of July 3rd I heard some terrible 
cannonading, but did not know the reason 
for this heavy gun-firing. Some of the boys 
thought that the American fleet was making 
an effort to bombard the city of Santiago, for 
it had been the talk among the soldiers that 
Admirals Sampson and Schley with their boats 
were contemplating the bombardment of the 
city. It was during this time that the dyna- 
mite boat " Vesuvius " failed to do any dam- 
age to the city, but we, not knowing what was 
going on at the time, were placed on the look- 
out. It was generally thought that the fleet 
was bombarding Santiago, and that the Span- 
iards might have been forced to come out, and 
would undoubtedly charge on us. We in-e- 
pared for any attack which they might make. 

The ground shook as if an earthquake was 
taking place as the heavy firing of the large 



SPANISH-AMEKICAN WAR 39 

guns on tlie battleship continued. This histed 
for about two hours. The same niorninL>' at 
eleven o'clock the startlin,<>- news came to us 
tliat the Spanisli fleet under the command of 
Admiral Cevera had tried to escape and liad 
been destroyed. 

This report was read to all of the troops ])y 
the different officers, and the cheers that went 
up could be heard through all the trenches. 
It was a great victory for the American Xavy. 



40 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



IV 



THE PKESIDEXT's :\rESSAGE SURRENDER OF CiEX. 

TORAE. 

Ox July ()tli wliile tlie flag of truce was up, 
the SiDanish and American Cxenerals met under 
tlie Ceiba tree, where they arranged for the 
exchange of prisoners. Lieutenant IIo])son 
and his men, who had attempted to sink tlie 
Merrimac for the purpose of bottling up the 
Spanish fleet, were some of the prisoners who 
were to be given in exchange for Spanish 
prisoners of war. While this arrangement was 
being made we took advantage of the time to 
boil some coffee, and partook of what we 
considered a very good meal, consisting of 
canned tomatoes, canned beef, and last but not 
least, the old standliy, hardtack. 

Both of the armies were out of the trenches, 
facing each other. Our army M^as on the 
hill, and could easily see the enemy walk- 



srANISH-AMERICAX WAR 41 

ing up and down in front of their jjlaces of con- 
cealment. Just as tlie flag of truce was low- 
ered both sides immediately renewed opera- 
tions. Almost in front w^here ni}- regiment 
was entrenched was a large building, and on 
the four corners of this old building could be 
seen Ked Cross flags fluttering in the wind. 
AVe did not fire on this building because it 
seemed to be a hospital, but we soon learned 
that the Spaniards had made fortifications of 
the building, and had mounted many large 
guns at this place. As soon as we learned 
that they were trying to deceive us by tactics 
that are not usually resorted to by civilized 
nations in time of war, w^e started firing and 
soon had the flags down and the building re- 
duced. It required only a few minutes for our 
batteries to find its range. The firing at this 
time was fierce on both sides, and continued up 
to the 14th day of July, when the flag of truce 
was again hoisted. 

A very remarka])le incident happened on 
the afternoon of the 10th, when a shell pierced 
through the trenches occupied ])y Company G 
of the 21st Infantry, and buried itself to our 



42 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

rear in the mud; fortunately for tlie members 
of the company it did not explode, for if it had, 
most of us would have been annihilated. I re- 
marked to one of my friends next to me that 
we had just had a close call. The American 
papers got out the news that nearly all of 
the company of tlie 21st had been killed or 
wounded. Of course the parents of the boys 
who had gone to the front and the many rela- 
tives found this kind of ncAvs unpleasant read- 
ing. 

By this time many of the soldiers were either 
sick or wounded. Fever had taken hold of the 
men and affected much more deadly harm than 
did the Spanish bullets. Lying hi the mnd 
and water for so long a time was not health- 
ful. 

Our artillery had taken its position about 
half a mile to the rear, and fired their shrapnels 
over the trenches, whizzing over our heads with 
a big noise. At the same time the Spanish 
artillery kept up a heavy fire, attempting to 
silence our battereis which were doing tliem 
iiTcat damage. The bullets and sliells were fiv- 
ing thick and fast, and we kept our rifles busy 



spaxish-a:\iericax war 43 

all of the time. There were with us many 
gatling guns, whieh fired one hundred and 
twenty shots a minute. Of course they accom- 
plished a deadly result. In this engagement 
both sides lost heavily, but it was a favorable 
result for the American boys. This was the 
last stand the Spaniards made. 

On the IJ^th day of July Generals Shafter 
and Toral again met at the Ceiba tree, where 
they had met before for the release of Lieu- 
tenant Hobson and his men. This time they 
met to make arrangements for the surrender 
of the Spanish forces, and on the 16th day of 
July the capitidation was signed. The joyful 
news spread quickly over and around the 
hills, through the rifle-pits and trenches until 
the whole army had heard that Santiago had 
fallen. Of course we were not long in getting 
out of the trenches after this new^s arrived. 

Following this General Shafter and his 
Staff entered the city and ran up the " Stars 
and Stripes " on the Governor's Palace, and 
the band of the 6th Cavalry played the " Star 
Spangled Banner," our national air. Santiago 
had fallen, and President ^McKinlev cable- 



44 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

grammed to General Shafter in tlie field the 
following message, which was read to all the 
army. 

" The President of the United States sends 
to you and your b^a^e army, the profound 
thanks of the American people, for the bril- 
liant achievement at Santiago, resulting in the 
surrender of the city and all the Spanish troops 
and territory under General Toral. Your 
splendid command has endured not only the 
hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign 
and battle, but in the stress of heat and weather 
has triumphed over obstacles which would have 
overcome men less brave and determined. One 
and all have displayed the most conspicuous 
gallantry, and earned the gratitude of the na- 
tion. The hearts of the people turn with 
tender sympathy to the sick and w^ounded. 
jNlay the Father of JMercies protect and com- 
fort you." 

General Toral, with all of his men, about 
twenty-two thousand in number, together with 
rifles and artillery, surrendered to the Ameri- 
can forces. In honor of this surrender a salute 
of twentv-one o'uns was fired amid the cheers 



* l> J'. 




SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 45 

of tlie American ui-my. It was a tlirilling 
sight, and a t'eeling that no one could ever for- 
get. 

Of the iJlst Infantry there were nine killed 
and thirty-foiu' wounded, but the nuniher who 
died from sickness was very large. As soon as 
the firing was over we experienced much sick- 
ness ^^'hich was more deadly than the Spanish 
fire. 

Soon after the surrender I was detailed with 
other soldiers of my company, to go to the city 
of Santiago with an army wagon for coffins for 
the dead conu'ades. The road leading to the 
city was in vei'v bad condition. On arriving 
there mc j^i'oceeded to a ])uilding where some 
of our Americans were making coffins. 

My attention was attracted to tlie nai-row 
streets of the city, and their (juaint old build- 
ings, some of which had been damaged by our 
shells. I was anxious to see as much of the city 
as possible, and I took advantage of this trip. 
I saw that many of the Spanish citizens who 
had left the town during the war, had returned 
by this time and were ready to resume their 
business. Army wagons Avere drawling pro- 



46 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

visions in large quantities, as there was an 
abundance for all the soldiers. 

We were then given fresh bread that had 
been made in Santiago by the bakers who were 
in the service, each man receiving half a loaf 
at each meal. Fresh meat was also given us, 
which was some change in the menu that we 
had had before. 

A short time ago I mentioned leaving our 
haversacks to the rear as w^e were about to 
cross San Juan River for the purpose of charg- 
ing up San Juan Hill. Of course it was some- 
what difficult to recover these, as they had 
been scattered along the road. The regiment 
nimiber and company is printed on every hav- 
ersack, so in this manner we knew how to find 
them. 

As I proceeded on my way I noticed hun- 
dreds of buzzards soaring in the air, which is a 
sign that there is something dead in the vi- 
cinity. Just west of where I was walking I 
noticed a dead American soldier lying in the 
mud with a bullet wound near his heart. His 
eyes had been picked out by the buzzards. 
Many Spanish soldiers lay scattered about. 



srANISM-AMEHICAN WAR 47 

who had met the same fate. It was a sjieetacle 
horrible to behold. Some of our men who had 
been killed met their death from Spanish 
sharpshooters, who were hidden in trees under 
cover of the leaves, making it very difficult to 
locate the source of fire. 

After we had found our haversacks we re- 
turned to our camp, where they were assorted 
so tluit every man had liis own. They came in 
very handy because they contained many use- 
ful things. I fouud an old letter in mine, that 
had been written to me in Tampa, and made 
good use of the envelope, as you will soon see. 
I wrote a letter to my parents on the back of a 
tomato can label, for that was the very best 
that I could procure in the line of writing 
paper. Then 1 turned the old envelope inside 
out and placed the letter in it. Having no 
glue 1 sewed it up with black thread that I 
found in my haversack. In this letter I wrote 
my parents the experiences whicli I had just 
gone through. I knew they were anxious to 
hear from me. Of course I had no such thing 
as postage stamps, so 1 wrote on the corner 



48 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

of the letter " Soldier's letter," the postage be- 
ing paid at the place of destination. 

The Spanish soldiers whom M^e had taken 
j)risoners of war would exchange cigarettes 
and cigars with ns for our hardtack. The ex- 
change was not only a treat for our boys, but 
also for the S]:)aniards. 

It was a hard task to keep clean, but we 
were soon given new uniforms, and the old ones 
put into a pile and burned. All of the boys, in- 
cluding myself, were anxious about returning 
home because some had already been started 
back. We were anxiously waiting for the kind 
news that would take us from this dreadful 
place where so much sickness and disease was 
then prevalent. 



SPANISH-AxMERICAN WAR 49 



V. 

RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES. 

Finally the glad news came, and we started 
on our way to Santiago with several of the 
other regiments. AVhen we reached tlie city 
many of the hoys found things to be of an in- 
teresting nature, but it was not new to me be- 
cause I had been there before. On arriving at 
the docks a vessel which had been heretofore 
used for carrying cattle from Havana to San- 
tiago was in waiting to transport the soldiers. 
You can imagine the means of transportation 
we had to contend with, but we were satisfied 
with almost anything in the shape of a vessel 
that would carry us back to the shore of the 
dear old United States, or to what tlie boys 
pro])erly termed " God's Country." All I 
tliought of was the gladness of being home 
once again. 

As we were passing through the Imrbor of 



50 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

Santiago it was an interesting sight to see the 
famous " JNIerrimac " which had l)een sunk hy 
llobson and his brave crew for the purpose of 
blocking the entrance to the harbor. There it 
lay, to the left of us as we were going out of 
the harbor, with only the masts and smoke- 
stack in sight above the water. On the other 
side I could see 3Iorro Castle, which was the 
boast of the Spanish army and fleet. There it 
stood so prominently with " Old (xlory " float- 
ing proudly over it. 

This castle was built of stone, cut ])y pris- 
oners of ancient days. It was claimed in a 
statement by General Weyler, who was Gov- 
ernor of tlie island before the war, tliat this 
castle could not be destroyed by any of the 
guns of the ^Vmerican army or navy. 

Upon coming out of the harbor tlie sea was 
running high, and as oui- sliip was not a very 
large one. we were tossed al)out, making only 
from five to six knots an hour, which was very 
slow going. Tlie engines of the vessel were in 
poor condition, and the accommodations on 
board very poor, but all the boys overlooked 
these discomforts because Me were so pleased 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 51 

that we were on our way home after a success- 
ful campaign for our country. I also wish to 
mention that wliile out at sea on our return 
home on the 20th day of August I had the 
pleasure of cele])rating my twentieth birthday. 

After being at sea four days we sighted 
Long Island, which was the source of great 
joy. I could liear the boys say " Home at 
last," and it surely was home, for when we ar- 
rived at ]Montauk Point, Long Island, prep- 
arations liad l)een made for all the return- 
ing soldiers from Cuba. As we landed from 
tlie steamer the noble Red Cross Society was 
ready to meet us, giving to each of us a hot cup 
of beef tea as we passed by tlie tent. You may 
be sure tliat we tlioroughly aj^preciated this 
kindness. 

A few days after our arrival tlie report went 
around the camp tliat the boat on which we ar- 
ri\'ed had been sunk. 

Wall tents had been put up for our use witli 
comfortable bunks to sleep in, two soldiers be- 
ing allotted to eacli tent. A temporary pump- 
ing station had ])een erected to distri])ute water 
around the dili'erent parts of the camp. A 



52 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

temporary hospital, which had also been 
erected, was soon filled with sick soldiers. 

A fnrlongh was given the soldiers who were 
in the hospital as soon as they were able to 
leave. Dnring onr stay at camp we received 
our i^ay, which was the first money received 
since I had enlisted. It was welcome because I 
needed it, and so did most of the other boys. 
The food given us at this place was very good, 
and we were again given new uniforms and the 
old ones taken from us and l)in"ned. 

People from all over the United States came 
to witness the return of Uucle Sam's soldiers. 
The visitors were very courteous to us. They 
gave us fruits and dainties which was quite a 
change from what we had been having. But 
all was not happiness. Some of our boys died 
while w^e ^vere here, and it caused a gloom to 
spread over the camp. 

Everj^ day excursions from New York and 
surrounding towns came to visit us. The ex- 
citement at this time was great, and all inter- 
est seemed to turn towards the homecoming of 
the troops. While the excitement was going 
on I was taken sick with fever and went to the 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 53 

hospital. It was while I was tliere that 1 had 
the pleasure of seeing President ^IcKhilev, 
M'ho came to the hospital to visit the heroes of 
the war. As he passed througli the wards, 
shaking hands with many of the sick, one could 
easily see upon his kindly face the imprint of 
his noble character, which told in unspeakable 
words his heartfelt sympathy for the soldiers 
who had gone to the front, and also the sorrow- 
that the war had caused him, for it was a well- 
known fact that he had exhausted all of his 
diplomatic al)ility to prevent the war. 

A few days in the hospital and I was again 
able to be out, performing my duties at camp. 

In September the 21st Infantry received 
orders to return to Plattsbin-gh, where the regi- 
ment had been stationed before they left for 
the seat of war. It did not take long for the 
joyful news of our return home to spread 
among the boys, and it certainly was received 
with cheers. On the afternoon of the 1-ttli of 
September we marched to the train which was 
two miles from the camp, and there boarded 
the train which would bring us to the boat that 
would land the regiment at New London, 



54 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

Connecticut. The two hoiu's ride on the water 
was enjoyed by all, as the weather was beau- 
tiful. 

We received a rousing welcome as we 
landed. Having considerable time to wait for 
a special train before starting we took advan- 
tage of this wait, and went around the city to 
take in the sights. That evening we boarded 
the Central A'^ermont train that would take 
us to Rouses Point, and then to Plattsburgh. 
The train was run in two sections, and it cer- 
tainly did seem good to feel that we were on 
our way home. After travelling all night we 
reached St. Albans at ten o'clock in the morn- 
ing, and again we witnessed another reception 
from the people of that city. Our stay there 
w^as very short, as we remained just long 
enough to change locomotives. It was not 
long before we came in sight of dear old Lake 
Champlain. We crossed the Rutland and 
Central Vermont Railroad ])ridge, where once 
again I had a good view of liouses Point, my 
home town, and it certainly looked good to 
me. Fort jNIontgomery could easily be seen 
from the bridge, and several questions were 



SPAXISH-AMl.rvICAN WAR .5.5 

asked iiic al)()ul Ihc old fort, as some of the boys 
knew that Houses Point was my home. 

On arriving at the station 1 was met l)y my 
father, moth.er, sisters and brothers, to say 
nothing of all my dear old friends who had 
come to the station to welcome me. Just as I 
was getting off the train 1 was presented with 
beautiful Howers by one of the leading ladies 
of the town. The school children had been let 
out during that hour so that they could witness 
the return of the soldiers. 

Our stay at Kouses Point was short, and our 
train soon shifted onto the Delaware & Hud- 
son tracks, and we were again on our way to 
the city of Plattsburgh, a distance of tAventy- 
four miles. We arrived there at about twelve 
o'clock noon on the 1.5th day of September, 
1898. 

On arriving at Plattsburgh we were met by 
many people who had gathered at the station 
from the city and surrounding towns for the 
purpose of giving us a welcome. The 21st In- 
fantry was more than welcomed. People were 
excited, whistles were blowing, church and 
school bells were ringing, bands were playing, 



56 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

and every one seemed to be taking a holiday to 
celebrate the occasion. 

It was a day mingled with joy and sorrow. 
Mothers, wives, sisters, brothers and sweet- 
hearts came to meet tlie boys who had returned, 
while others came to inquire of the dear ones 
who were left beliind never to retiu'n. 

The hospital train had preceded us, and they 
were not such a cheerful lot of boys because 
many were still very sick with the fever, others 
were convalescing, and many of them died 
after their arrival. 

After leaving the train we all formed into 
our own companies under tlie command of 
Captain Ebstein, and started on our way to- 
wards the Barracks, headed by Brigadier 
General JMcKibbin, Captain Ebstein and Lieu- 
tenant JNlorrow, aide of General JMcKibbin. 
These officers were mounted. Then came the 
Rouses Point Cornet Band, which pleased me 
very much, and following the officers and en- 
listed men, a total of about two liundred and 
forty-nine out of five liundred and sixty-five 
who had gone to the front, came the 21st In- 
fantry band, who had also lost a number of 



SPANISH-AMEKICAN WAR .57 

players on account of sickness. However, we 
were all cheerful and enjoyed the reception 
that was being tendered us. 

The city was beautifully decorated, and 
American and Cuban flags were prominent 
in display. Citizens crowded the streets with 
joy and gladness on their faces because of our 
return. 



58 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



VI. 

RECEPTION AT PLATTSBURGH. 

Ox arriving at the l)arrack grounds we 
found the road hned on hotli sides with several 
hundred recruits, who liad enhsted wliile the 
regiment liad ])een away, and as we marched 
hy tliey presented arms. Arriving at the mess 
hall we found to our astonishment that the 
ladies of Plattsburgh liad prepared a grand 
dinner for the officers and men. Tlie hall was 
beautifully decorated for the occasion, and 
when we liad all been seated at the different 
tables, the following formal written message 
was presented by Dr. jNIadden of Platts- 
burgh, Chairman of Citizens' Executive Com- 
mittee. 

" Officers and men of the 21st Regiment 
of Infantry: 

For almost five months the citizens of 



SPAKiSH-A^iERlCAN WAR .59 

the City of Plattsburgh watched your for- 
tunes witli anxious sohcitude. For you, 
we have dreaded, hoped, feared and ex- 
ulted; and from yoiu* intrepid behavior, 
we have all felt ourselves entitled to dis- 
tinction. Heroism is always associated 
with tlie pathetic, and now that the perils 
of war are passed, the joy of the welcome, 
which it is our distinguished privilege to 
give to you, is tinged with solemnity. It is 
prompted not only by that universal and 
enthusiastic sentiment of admiration and 
gratitude which to-day is swelling in every 
American heart, but also by that nearer 
personal attachment developed through 
years of association with you, during 
which time you have become the recipients 
of our trust, our respect, oiu- honor and 
our affection. As you return with ranks 
depleted from the withering blast of bat- 
tle and tlie wasting breath of disease, our 
huzzas for your gallantry are tempered 
by minor tones of grief at the losses and 
sacrifices you have undergone. We exult 
in your triumphs, but we sorrow at your 



60 HEMINISCENCES OF THE 

sufferings. We rejoice in your return, 
but we mourn for the men as brave as you 
who met their death in Cuban thicket, or 
in distant hospitals, and for those men, 
your comrades whom reduced from the 
strength of manhood to infant helpless- 
ness, you have left behind. Words them- 
selves are totally inadequate to fully ex- 
press the depth and sincerity of our greet- 
ings. We have sought a more substan- 
tial means than that of hackneyed phrase. 
We ask you to behold it in flushed cheek 
and kindling eye, to hear it in the welcom- 
ing cheer and individual congratulations, 
to feel it in the warm hand grasp, and to 
enjoy it in all the attentions, which we are 
proud to bestow upon you in recognition 
of the dangerous service you have done." 

To this beautiful address Captain Ebstein 
made the following reply: 

" On behalf of the officers and men of 
the 21st Infantry, I return the sincere 
thanks of all for the magnificent reception 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 61 

extended to us on our return from the 
campaign in Cuba. It was indeed a glo- 
rious homecoming, the generous, bountiful 
and sincere welcome you extended to us 
has touched us deeply, and makes us more 
in love with Platts burgh and its patriotic 
citizens than ever. God bless you all! " 

After this reply dinner was served to us by 
the ladies, and 1 assure you that every one en- 
joyed the bountiful feast which had been pre- 
23ared for us. 

]Many of the Rouses Point people as well 
as the Rouses Point band boys, had come to 
Plattsburgh to welcome us. Of course I knew 
them all and it was a very pleasant occasion 
for me. After having partaken of the deli- 
cious dinner we were given our liberty for the 
afternoon. JNIany of the boys, including my- 
self, took advantage of the time off and at- 
tended the county fair, which was being held at 
Plattsburgh tliat week. I went along with 
some of the Rouses Point band ])oys, as they 
were not to leave until the night train. They 
were all very kind to me, and would not allow 



62 RE]\nNISCENCES OF THE 

me to spend any of my money. Of eourse I 
appreeiated that very much because my funds 
were not very large. 

After an enjoyable time at the fair I started 
for the Barracks and my friends went to the 
station, where they were to leave for liome. 

That same night I witnessed a beautiful 
display of fireworks given on the parade 
grounds. I did not stay up very late, but re- 
tired early that evening, as I was completely 
tired out after the excitement of the j^ast few 
days. 

All of the recruits who had enlisted during 
the absence of the regiment had pitched their 
wall tents on the parade grounds, and we oc- 
cupied the old and new quarters. In fact, 
everything was made as comfortable as possible 
because we needed a good rest. 

In the meantime some of my friends wlio 
knew Captain Bonsteel, Avho was company 
commander, had asked him to grant me a few 
days' leave of absence to visit my home town. 
Very shortly thereafter through their inter- 
cession and the aid of First Sergeant Casse- 
meyer, I was granted seven days leave of ab- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 03 

sence, and iniiiiediately took the train for 
Kouscs Point. The reception received hy me 
when 1 arrived there is something that 1 will 
never forget. 

I was met at tlie Delaware & Ilndson sta- 
tion, very much to my surprise, by the home 
hand, and the whole town had turned out to 
greet me. jNlr. Joseph 'J'ourville, a prominent 
citizen, had his carriage at the station at my 
disposal. 1 was escorted through the main 
streets, the band following and playing na- 
tional airs. This i)rocession continued until we 
reached my father's store, where a reception 
w as held. I tlien received congratulations and 
hand-shakes from all my friends. The build- 
ings were decorated with colored lights, and 
fire-works were prominently and gorgeously in 
display. I can appreciate that this reception 
was due to the fact that there was much excite- 
ment in this country on account of a war which 
seemed to be important to the nation, and 
that I was the only person from town who had 
been engaged in the Spanish-American War. 

After this reception at the store I went di- 
rectly home, being very tired, where my dear. 



64 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

good mother had prepared an excellent lunch 
for me. I was not feeling extremely well, and 
did not eat very nuich. It seemed good to be 
able to retire in my own bed and I enjoyed a 
good night's rest. The next morning I was up 
early, and after eating a hearty breakfast I 
went to the \'illage and called on my friends. I 
was not allowed to remain idle very long be- 
cause they ke})t me busy answering all kinds of 
questions about the war. 1 remained at home 
only five days because I was not feeling well, 
and continued to grow worse every day. I de- 
cided to return to Plattsburgh without any de- 
lay, and upon my retiun there I was taken 
to the Post hospital with an attack of malarial 
fever, attended by a very high temperature. I 
had never been sick before, but I certainly was 
making up for it at this time. The hospital 
was crowded, and nearly every bed had been 
taken up with the sick. After three weeks of 
excellent care I commenced to feel better, and 
was soon well enough to return to my company 
for duty. 

Up to this time the guard duty had })een 
done bv the recruits who had enlisted to go 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 65 

to the Philippines, but we soon were all well 
enough to do our share of the guard duty. 
During the rest of 1898 and 1899 we were all 
kept busy drilling. 

Many of the soldiers took advantage of 
General Order No. 40 " That all men who had 
enlisted at the time war was declared had the 
privilege to leave the army," but I did not care 
to take advantage of this order. I did not wish 
to take my discharge, as I knew that my regi- 
ment was soon to leave for the Philippines, and 
I was anxious and willing to do more service. 
I had to sign certain papers declaring my in- 
tention to remain witli the army until the ex- 
piration of my term, which was three years, 
but many took advantage of the order and re- 
tm-ned to their homes. 

During the winter the drilling was done in 
the basement of the different company quar- 
ters. Once a week we had a musical drill at 
the drill hall, the regimental band furnishing 
the music for the purpose. 

On the 22nd day of February, 1899, a 
marble slab which had been presented to the 
regiment by the Plattsburgh Institute was in- 



66 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

laid on the side of the Administration building 
at Plattsburgh Barjacks, on which was in- 
scribed the names of those wlio fell at Santiago 
de Cuba, men wlio were in the 21st Infantry. 
The ceremonies of tlie unveiling of this me- 
morial were very impressive, and largely at- 
tended ])y many citizens of Plattsburgh, as 
well as all the members of the regiment. Tlie 
following are the names of those inscribed on 
the marble slab: 

William Davis, Company A: Fred Weis- 
hart. Company A: Kdward Plaude, Company 
E: Hobert jMcClatchey, Company C: Ben- 
jamin Boling, Company F: Albert Tomkin- 
son, Company C : 

I spent a very pleasant winter at the Post 
before leaving for the Philippines because we 
had very little guard duty to do, or what is 
termed in army talk as " nights in." 



2' 




SrANISH-A:MERICAN WAR 67 



VII. 

ORDERED TO THE PHILIPPINES. 

The regiment now numbered about 1350 
men, wbicb was al)out the full strength. In 
jNIarch 1899, Avord eame that we were soon to 
leave for the Far East. It did not take long 
for the news to spread, but we were unable to 
ascertain the exact date that we might be ex- 
pected to leave, and it was somewhat of a sus- 
pense to wait for orders. 

Most of the soldiers who had been confined 
to the hospital were able to be out at this time. 
In the latter j^art of 3Iarch we received official 
orders to leave for the seat of the war, the date 
of our leaving being set as April lOth, 1899. 
The time intervening passed away very 
quickly. 

A few weeks before our orders came for our 
departure, passes were issued for those who 
wished to visit their homes, especially to those 



68 RE.AIINISCENCES OF THE 

wlio did not live far distant from tlie Post. Of 
course I wanted to see my parents and friends 
again, and made application for a leave of ab- 
sence, which was granted to me. I remained 
about two days at home, and after once again 
bidding fare\\ell to my people I returned to 
Plattsburgh. 

When 1 returned to the Barracks only a few 
days remained to pack up and make ready for 
our departure. There had already been 
j^laced on the side track near the Post a freight 
train for our accommodation. On Sunday, the 
9th of April, orders were given to load all 
baggage into the freight train, leaving with us 
only our knapsacks and haversacks. Oin* 
knajjsacks were made of heavy canvas, and 
were suitable for carrying blankets, shoes, 
stockings, underwear, and other small articles 
that we might wish to have along with us. The 
haversacks ^vere made of the same material and 
about the same style, ])ut much smaller. They 
are used mostly to carry food, cooking utensils, 
and knives and forks. The knapsack is 
carried on the back and affixed by means of 
straps going o^'er the shoulders, while the 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 69 

haversack is placed on the left side, supported 
by straps, with a di'inking-cup hanging from 
the outside. 

On the afternoon of April 10th orders were 
given to form into companies and line up on 
the parade ground in front of the new quarters. 
As we asseml)led there were twelve companies 
and the band. 

A general roll-call was then given to make 
sure that every one was present. It was a fine 
day for this work, and it certainly was a grand 
as well as a thrilling sigbt to see 1350 soldiers 
lined up. Colonel Kline gave the command 
to march, and headed by the band we proceeded 
to the train. 

The following were the names of the officers 
of the 21st Infantry when we left for the Phil- 
ippines : 

Colonel Jacob Kline, Command; Capt. C. 
M. Truitt, Adjutant; Capt. L. J. Hearn, 
Quartermaster; Lieut. F. IT. Lawton, Acting 
Commissary. First Battalion — ]\Iajor W. H. 
Boyle, Commanding; Lieut. Peter Murray, 
Adjutant. Co. B, Lieut. R. H. Van Deman, 
Lieut. E. T. Conley. Co. F, Capt. H. L. 



70 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

Bailey. Co. C, Lieut. J. J. O'Coimell, Lieut. 
AV. M. Fassett. Co. L, Lieut. :M. M. Weeks. 
Second Battalion — Cajjt. F. E. Eltonhead, 
Conimandino-, Lieut. Lutz Walil, Adjutant. 
Co. D, Capt. F. E. Elton, Lieut. Anton 
Springer. Co. K, Lieut. H. Clement, Lieut. 

E. A. Bumpus. Co. H, Capt. A. L. Parmen- 
ter, Lieut. J. M. Love, Jr. Co. I, Lieut. W. 
H. :Mullay, Lieut. A. H. Haguet. Third 
Battalion — Ca^jt. C. H. Bonesteel, Command- 
ing, Lieutenant W. H. JMorrow, Adjutant. 
Co, Ct, Caj^tain C. Bonesteel, Lieut. D. G. 
Spurgin. Co. M, Capt. J. S. Parke, Jr., Lieut. 
C. R. Ramsay. Co. E, Capt. E. W. Mc- 
Caskey, Lieut P. A. Connolly. Co. A, Lieut. 

F. K. JNIeade. :Medical Officers— JNIaj or W. 
P. Kendall, Lieut. H. 31. Wetherill, Asst. 
Acting Sergeant J. H. Hepburn. 

The freiglit train had already pulled out and 
was on its way. Sleeping coaches had been 
placed at our disposal. Our train consisted of 
three sections of Wagner sleeping cars. A 
large number of people had gathered to see us 
depart, and again we experienced one of the 
sad features of military life. It hideed is sad 



spaxish-a:\ierican war 71 

to see wives, inotliers and sweethearts of soldier 
boys bid farewell to each other. In many in- 
stances it meant farewell for the last time. 
None of us knew whether we would ever see the 
loved ones that were being left behind, l)ut the 
chance of surviving is one of the hazards of 
war, and it must be undertaken by one who is 
a member of the army. 

My father and brothers were there to see me 
off, })ut I kept up my courage and did not let 
them notice that 1 was somewhat sad. 

The first section finally started, and the 
other two followed close behind, and as we left 
the people of Plattsburgh again showed us the 
same spirit of patriotism that had welcomed us 
home upon our retin-n from Cuba. 

AVe certainly were well taken care of all 
along the journey, having good beds and ex- 
cellent food. In fact we were given oranges 
every day, which was something new in army 
life.' 

I will not undertake to name all the towns 
and cities we stopped at along the route, but I 
will name some of the larger ones. The second 
section, which conveyed our company, stopped 



72 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

for water at Port Ileurv, and tlieii stopped 
again at Whitehall, at which place I met my 
cousins who knew that I was on the train. 
After a few minutes' delay at Whiteliall for 
orders and change of engine we were again on 
oiu' way. 

Disci2:)line had to he maintained on the train 
as well as at the I^arracks. We all had guard 
duty to perform. Food was given to us in oiu" 
seats, accompanied hy a hot cup of good coffee. 
Each section had two baggage cars where all 
the cooking was done on stoves set up for that 
purpose. 

AVhen we reached Jamestown, Xew York, 
on the following day the people there had gath- 
ered at the station prepared to give us a royal 
send-off. A fife and drum corps made up of 
Civil War Veterans were there and rendered 
appropriate music. The ladies threw flow- 
ers and cigarettes to us, and in return asked 
for souvenirs, such as buttons, cross-guns, etc. 
We were given similar receptions all along the 
route of travel, and of course all of the boys en- 
joyed them, which seemed to l)e a real novelty. 
Finally we reached Chicago and remained 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 73 

there five hours. We (hd not know at what 
moment we might leave, and that made it nee- 
essary for the hoys to keep close to the cars, 
therehy depriving us of a ramhle through the 
city. However, many people had gatliered 
near the train, and we had an enjoyaljle time 
jollying with them. They were all very nice to 
us. The next place of importance readied hy 
our train Mas the city of Omaha, Nebraska. 
When we reached there the weather was con- 
siderably warmer, and it was somewhat uncom- 
fortable in the coaches. The evenings were 
very cool. Cheyenne was the next large town 
that we came to. Here the soldiers were al- 
lowed to leave the train for a few hours. I took 
advantage of the time for the purpose of send- 
ing postal cards home. At the store where I 
bouglit the postals I offered in payment a Ca- 
nadian bill, which is very common to people of 
northern New York. I was greatly amazed 
when the clerk refused to accept it, saying that 
he had never seen such a bill before, and be- 
lieved that it was no good. However, another 
person in the store overheard the conversation, 
and advised me to go across to a national bank. 



74 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

which was on tlie opposite side of the street, and 
there my money would be exchanged. I fol- 
lowed the suggestion, and was charged 10 per 
cent discount for the exchange. 

Fortunately for us we reached most of the 
large cities and towns in the daytime, and 
thereby it made the journey much pleasanter. 
It was somewhat tedious and lonesome passing 
across the j^rairies where nothing could be seen 
but sand, which blew through the car windows, 
and made the travel unpleasant and dirty. 

Then we came to the " Thousand Mile 
Tree " which tourists always look for on the 
way. Entering the first narrows of the canyon 
the " Thousand jNIile Tree " is passed, a thrifty 
branching pine, bearing on its trunk a sign- 
board, which tells the western bound traveller 
that lie has passed over one thousand miles of 
railway from Omaha. 

This living milestone of Nature's planting 
has long marked this place. It stood there for 
years before the hardy jNIormons passed down 
this wild gorge. Below this tree the cars cross 
a trestle bridge to the left banks of the Weber. 
Thence we proceeded down a short distance 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 75 

and again crossed another trestle bridge to the 
right-hand side. Ahnost opposite the bridge 
on the side of tlie mountains to the left can be 
seen the Devil's Slide, or serrated rocks. This 
slide is composed of two granite rocks, reach- 
ing from the river nearly to the summit of a 
sloping grass-clad mountain. These slabs are 
narrow, standing on edge as tliough forced out 
of the mountahi side, and are from fifty to two 
hundred feet high. The two edges run parallel 
with each other, about ten feet apart, the space 
between being covered with grass, Avild flowers 
and climl)ing vines. 1 had often heard of the 
Devil's Slitle, but was surprised to see how 
even these rocks run alongside of each other. 
As the train was not moving very rapidly I 
was given a better opportunity of observing 
somewhat closely these points of interest. 

We then came to the Sierra Nevada ^foun- 
tains, where our train passed through forty 
miles of continuous snow sheds. The roof of 
these snow sheds was covered with snow most 
of the time. Riding through these sheds was 
not very pleasant because the track was partly 
covered with water, wliicli came from the melt- 



76 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

ing snow, and thereby made it very damp and 
chilly. In fact, I caught a slight cold, but it 
was only of short duration. 

However, the scenery soon changed, for it 
did not take long to reach California where 
everything was in bloom. As our train passed 
along on a ver}' high elevation we could look 
down into the valley below and see for miles 
around. Everything seemed to be in blossom, 
and was much in contrast to what we had just 
passed through. 



SPANISH-AiMERICAN WAR 77 



VIII. 



ARRIVAL AT MANILA. 



Arriving at Oakland, wliicli is just across 
from San Francisco, our train was run to the 
railroad ferry, and then taken to the city. 
Our tri]) on the water was of short duration. 
When we arrived there a large crowd of people 
with several bands met and escorted us to the 
wharf where tlie transport " Hancock " lay. 
This was the ship on wliicli we w^ere to sail for 
the Philippines. As we had to stay here over 
nioht many of the soldiers changed their minds 
of a sudden and deserted on account of home- 
sickness. This foi-ni of sickness is of very com- 
mon occurrence among recruits. 

The freight train that had left Plattsburgh 
a day ahead of us, carrying all the baggage, 
had already been unloaded at the wharf, and 
lay alongside of the transport. All this bag- 
oa"e had to be loaded on the boat h\ the sol- 



78 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

diers. This was somewhat of a difficult task, at 
least I thought so, and we worked hard until 
four o'clock the next day to accomplish this 
work. Some of the boys went out for a good 
time tliat night and came back not feeling very 
well. As for myself, I stayed on board and 
had a good rest. I had often read about the 
wonderful climate of California, and it cer- 
tainly is great. 

Tlie " Hancock " was complete with all its 
crew and freiglit, and the regiment was now 
ready to sail. We started out of the liarbor on 
the morning of April 17tli at about eight 
o'clock. Our band was playing " ]My Country 
'Tis of Tliee," a fitting tribute to the beautiful 
country we were leaving beliind. As we passed 
on tlu-ough tlie " Golden Crate " onto the 
deep blue sea, whose mysteries were strange to 
us, and took a last glance of the country tliat 
was so dear to each and every one of us, our 
feelings gave way to tears. We did not know 
but wliat we were going to " that land from 
wliich Jio traveller e'er returns." 

The " Hancock " was at that time tlie fastest 
transport in tlie service. Her speed was from 



SPANISir-A:MERtC AN WAR 7d 

seventeen to nineteen knots per liour. ITer 
len<4tli was abont four hundred and eiglit feet, 
and Avlien slie left San Franeiseo there were on 
board lO^JO men. It was somewhat crowded, 
but eacli company was allotted a small space 
on tlie deck. At meal times we all had to line 
II]) and pass the kitchen, where we received our 
rations. Some of the soldiers found fault with 
the food, but I thought it was very good con- 
sidering all of the conditions. The drinking 
w^ater was bad on account of it being con- 
densed, and placed in metal tanks on the decks 
where it was exposed to the hot sun. The 
water seemed to taste oily. But with all of 
these discomforts w^e enjoyed ourselves, as the 
band gave concerts on the upper deck every 
niglil that the weather woidd ])ermit. We also 
had di-illing every day, which gave us some 
excitement. 

The sea was rather rough in some places, and 
it was amusing to watch some of the boys 
scrami)le when the high waves would wash over 
the decks. Every day we woidd take shower 
baths, so we kej)t ourselves clean at least. The 
berths were ai'ranged below the decks in tiers 



80 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

of three high and two wide. The hottoms were 
made of heavy canvas, on which we also used 
our blankets and a pillow, which made a very 
comfortable bed. 

After we had been sailing for about five days 
the engines of the transport got out of order 
and we were obliged to stop for repairs, which 
delayed us some time. As the seas wei-e run- 
ning" very high at the time it made it some- 
what unpleasant for a while. The wind soon 
Avent down and everything became ((uiet and 
calm. 

Some of the boys had great sport fishing for 
sharks. iSIost always sharks follow a ship at 
sea. Fishing for sharks is accomplished by 
placing a large piece of meat on a large hook, 
such as are used in butcher shops to hang meat 
on. To this hook a long rope is attached, 
which answers as a line. Then the meat and 
hook are thrown oATrboard into the sea. 

Shortly after we had done this w^e felt some 
tugging, and noticed that the rope was tigliten- 
ing. Sure enough a huge shark had swal- 
lowed the hook, meat and all, and it certainly 
did pull. It was no easy task to haul it on 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 81 

deck on account of its heavy weight, but with 
the aid of se\ eral soldiers we finally succeeded 
in landing it. We liad to take a turn around 
the mast with the rope and pull gradually, jVt 
last we succeeded in landing it on deck. It 
measured nine feet long and weighed about 
four hundred pounds. Our next trouble was 
experienced in killing the shark. This was ac- 
complished by cutting off a part of the tail, 
M-hicli caused it to bleed to death. The meat 
is not considered good to eat, but the Chinamen 
who were employed on the transport, seemed 
to like it and ate it with nuich relish. The 
joints in the small part of the tail were taken 
out, and we cut small rings from them w ith 
little work. ^Ve sent them home as souvenirs 
of a shark which we had killed at sea. That 
same day Me caught another shark in the same 
manner, but the second one was not quite as 
large as the first. While this shark fishing was 
going on our engines had been repaired, and 
w^ere again in working order. Once more we 
started on our long voyage, but our boat had 
drifted out of its course during the day, and 
made the route somewhat more distant. 



82 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

Some of (Hir hoys had heeii taken siek with 
fever and other diseases, and ^ve had tlie niis- 
fortnne to lose two soldiers on the way over. 
One was a niemher of Company K and the 
other a fellow by the name of Joseph Chevalier, 
Mho died of brain fever. I have heard since 
that he was a relative of ]Mr. Chevalier, who 
was at one time Superintendent of the Ogdens- 
burg & Lake Champlain Railroad Company. 
The ceremonies at the bm-ial of these two were 
very impressive. As the transport was not 
equipped for keeping the dead at that time, 
the bodies had to be thrown overboard. 

At the burial the ship came to a full stop, 
and the bodies one by one were placed on the 
lower deck with weights attached to their legs. 
Each body Avas wrapi)ed in canvas, tightly 
fastened, and then was placed on a Avide board 
and taken to the side of the boat Avith the feet 
facing outAvard toAvards the Avater. xVn Ameri- 
can flag Avas also placed over them. The cap- 
tain then read a fcAv verses from the Bible and 
a praA'er Avas offered, and after these solemn 
services Avere over, the bodies Avere slid from 
under the American flag into the Avater. As 



SPAMSH-AMERICAX WAR 83 

the bodies struck tlie water liiuulreds of sliarks 
could be seen about the pkice where the bodies 
felk The etfect on the sokbers was very 
iiiarketk and many of the men and ofhcers slied 
tears at the buriak 

The route to the Phihppines was much 
shorter tlian the otlier boats had taken l)ecause 
we did not go by way of ITon(jhilu, l)ut took a 
much more direct course. This did not please 
the boys very much because they wanted to see 
the beautiful island of Hawaii. 

An interesting fact that was called to our at- 
tention on the way over was the international 
boundary line which marks the change of time, 
and makes a difference of one day in going to 
the Philippines. 

On the way over I saw several whales from 
a distance. It certanily is a grand sight to 
see these huge fish swish about in the water. 

After we had been about fifteen days at sea 
our attention was called to the group of Bonin 
Islands, one of which is an enormous rock, ris- 
ing from the sea at an angle of about seventy 
degrees. It is said to be about 2800 feet in 
height. At a distance of about sixty miles we 



84 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

could plainly see it, hut the nearest that our 
ship got to this rock was seven miles. My at- 
tention was attracted mostly to the sun setting 
just behind the rock. The sun was red and 
showed its different colors on the huge rock, 
making a very picturescjue sight. 

At last we arrived at ^Manila Bay on the 
13th day of ^lay, which was just one year from 
the date of my enlistment. As we entered the 
harbor 1 noticed Correggidor Island and the 
large Spanish guns that Admiral Dewey had 
silenced with his fleet during the battle of 
JNIanila Bay. Correggidor Island is very high 
and precipitous, lying one mile from shore and 
directly in the mouth of the entrance to the 
Bay. This entrance is about six miles wide, 
and the island in some jjlaces rises to a 
height of about six hundred feet. Crown- 
ing the crest was a modern battery of big 
Krupp guns that were stated to be the best 
sliip destroyers in the world. Five miles 
across in the mainland is the rock mounted 
battery of El Fraile, and at a distance we 
could see the city of JNIanila from the harbor. 
The buildings and the people in small fish- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 8.5 

ing boats around the J^ay all seemed .strange 
to us, and it was so niueh different than 
^yh•dt 1 had witnessed in Cuba, and of course 
these scenes had a (jueer impression on me. 

To the ri,^'ht of us as we proceeded into the 
harbor I could see the town of Cavite, at which 
place there was a dry dock for the repair of 
shi})s. A large arsenal was also built at this 
l)lace. 

AVe were all anxious to land, for the voyage 
had been so long, and most of tlie l)oys had had 
a touch of sickness. I had also suffered some- 
w^hat fi'om sickness on the way over. 

The " Hancock " had to anchor in the Bay. 
as it was too large to come alongside the docks 
of Pasig River. The Pasig River was filled 
with steamers that plied between Oriental 
j^orts. This river is only of moderate depth, 
and was constantly choked with small craft, 
and larger shi})s were compelled to discharge 
and load on the bay. 

^^'^hile we were there in the harbor waiting 
for the cascoes to take us ashore we could easily 
see the Spanish gun-boats that had been sunk 
by Dewey's fleet, the " Costella," " Don Juan 



86 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

de Austria," " Don Antonia de Ulloa," " Isle 
de Cuba," " El Cano," " Isle de Luzon," which 
was raised later on, and the flafr-ship " Reina 
Cristina." All of these ships lay at the bottom 
of the Bay and only the stacks and masts could 
be seen, while others that had been sunk nearer 
the shore exhibited part of their hulls. Not 
far from our transport was anchored Dewey's 
fleet of warships. These were the ships that 
had silenced the guns of Correggidor Island, 
and destroyed the Spanish fleet. 

The soldiers all had to be taken on cascoes 
and towed by steamboats ashore, and were 
finally landed in the city of INIanila. Here we 
had a good view of the entrance to the Pasig 
River. We proceeded directly to the lunetta, 
whicli we in English would call a park. This 
faced the harbor, and the location could not be 
improved upon. As the day was beautiful we 
enjoyed pitching our camp. 

Before retiring that night I heard some one 
singing and playing a piano, and as the build- 
ing where the music came frc^n was not far 
from the camp I ventured near, and saw that 
it was a Spanish lady singing in Spanish. Of 



spanish-a:\ierican war 87 

course I could not understand the words, but 
the nuisic and singing' was sweet and clieerful. 
]Many of the boys hstened to it with great at- 
tention. It made us all think of home. 

After listening to the music for some time 
we proceeded to return to our camping place, 
and made our beds on the ground with our 
blankets. We were all very tired, and it did 
not take long for us to fall asleep. The next 
morning we were up and around at an early 
hour because we wanted to go about the city 
and see things, but much to our regret we were 
not allowed to leave the camp, as the com- 
manding officer did not know at what moment 
we would receive orders to leave. 



88 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



IX. 



AT EL DEPOSOTO. 



]MosT of the volunteer regiments that liad 
been in the Pliihppines and that liad done 
mueh fighting and seen hard service received 
orders to leave. They were to be replaced by 
regulars. Our I'cgiment was then furnished 
with water buffaloes and carts, together with 
six Chinamen to every company. These Chin- 
amen took charge of transporting all of the 
baggage from one camp to another, and also 
carried along oin* provisions. 

From the " Lunetta " we marched on four 
miles to a place called El Deposoto. The road 
was very bad, and it being an exceptionally hot 
day, it was very tiresome walking. Some of 
the soldiers who were new members of the com- 
pany had forgotten to fill their canteens before 
they left, and soon felt the want of water. We 
were told by the officers to deprive ourselves of 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 89 

a little water so that wliat we had would last 
us until we reached El Deposoto. We arrived 
there at ahout eleven o'clock in the forenoon, 
and immediately quenched our thirst. We 
had all the water tliat we could drink, as there 
was plenty of the sparkling fluid there for all 
of us. At this place we relieved tlie 24th In- 
fantry, which was a colored regiment. 

The huilding at El Deposoto is a large two- 
story structure, facing the road, with a wide 
veranda in front running the whole length. It 
was shaped like most of the S2)anish huildings, 
and from its appearance looked very ancient. 
It was huilt of stone, and at the rear of tlie 
building there was about ten acres of land with 
numerous subterranean tunnels, about seven 
or eight feet in height. These tunnels were 
made of cement, and were always filled with 
water furnished through pipes from the pump- 
ing station located four miles away, at tlie 
jNIariquina River. This was reserved water 
for the city of ^Manila. Every few feet apart 
openings were made at the top of these tun- 
nels, and stone stairs led to the water's edge 
underground, at the end of which w^ere iron 



90 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

gates. One could stand at the bottom of these 
stah's and see the water in these underground 
canals. This water was very cool and clear. 

To the right of this building was a beautifid 
garden of flowers, all fenced in by a high iron 
fence. The fragrance from the flowers was 
carried quite a distance about, which made the 
air sweet scented. 

Om- camp at this place was very good, but 
the guard and patrol duty was exceedingly 
difficult. It was located not far from an old 
Catholic Church, which was occupied by a vol- 
unteer regiment. At the rear of this church 
was a graveyard with vaults made of very thick 
sealed walls. Some of the soldiers had broken 
the seals, and exposed some of the bodies that 
had not been there very long, and the odor tliat 
came from them was altogether unpleasant. 
Not only was the odor unpleasant, but we were 
in danger of having disease spread among us, 
and this compelled us to cover the bodies. 

Every night thirty-foin- privates and four 
non-commissioned officers mounted guard 
duty. This gave us only one night in. 

On the evening of the l()th of JNIay Com- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 91 

pany E of tlie 21.st Infantry, which liad been 
guarding the rear of El Depo.soto near the 
^Iari(|uina road, was attacked by a small 
band of Insurgents. Our boys responded to 
the fire, and the attacking party Avas soon 
driven away. How these Insurgents managed 
to sneak through the lines is still a mystery. 
During this attack one of our soldiers was 
wounded in tlie hip. The bullet struck his 
bayonet whicli hung at his side, and shattered 
tlie wooden and metal parts of the bayonet, so 
tliat an ugly but not a fatal wound was made. 
Altogether the firing did not last over twenty 
minutes. 

The water works I have mentioned were lo- 
cated about four miles from El Deposoto, and 
tlie road between these two places had to be 
guarded by means of patrol during the night. 
Our regiment covered one-half of the distance 
and the Wyoming A'olunteer Regiment the re- 
maining distance. The pipe which furnished 
the water to the depository lay on top of the 
ground from the water works to the Deposoto, 
and the duty of the patrol was to keep a close 
lookout so that the pijje line would not be 



92 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

broken by insurgents. Of course tbis pipe bne 
had to be guarded during tbe day as well as at 
nigbt. 

I will endeavor to explain tbe manner in 
wbicb tbis pipe line was guarded. Four pri- 
vates would start out at tbe same time from 
eacb end of tbe route, two from tbe 21st In- 
fantry and tbe same number from tbe Wyo- 
ming Regiment, keeping about ten feet apart. 
Tbe patrol wbo arrived first at wbat bad been 
marked as tbe meeting-place bad to wait for 
tbe otbers to arrive, and tben a report was 
made as to wbetber or not everytbing was clear. 

Eefore we arrived at our meeting-i)lace on 
tbe patrol line we bad to cross San Juan 
Bridge, from wbicb tbe first shot from tbe 
Americans was fired by Private Grayson of 
the Nebraska Kegiment of Volunteers. His 
shot was returnetl by a volley from tbe insur- 
gents' outpost of this place. It was tbis firing 
which set the ball rolling. Tbis occurred on 
tbe nigbt of February 4th, 1899. 

A short distance away on top of a small bill 
was an old powder mill, wbicli tbe Spaniards 
operated before tbe war. Tbe San Juan 



spanish-a:\ierk'ax war 03 

Eri(l,f>'e was not very large, ami erossed a small 
creek which was the principal watering place 
fur the carabos on the way from ^Manila to the 
water-works. 

The pipe line ran on top of the bridge, as 
you will notice by the accompanying cut. 

Some may not understand how the patrol at 
each end could start at the same time. A tele- 
graph line had been laid from General Hall's 
quarters at Deposoto to the water works, and 
by the use of this line they would know just at 
what time we would leave. In about fifteen 
minutes thereafter two more men would leave, 
so that twelve men were always on the road. 

While I was on this patrol duty a few nights 
after om- arrival a very funny incident oc- 
curred. I was about one mile from camp with 
my companion in arms. He was walking 
about ten feet to the rear. Suddenly I was 
halted by him, and he called my attention to 
what appeared to be a Filipino hiding in one 
of the banana trees alongside of the road. The 
wind was blowing very lightly, the moon was 
clouded a little, and things were not as bright 
as thev might be, ^\s soon as mv eves saw this 



94 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

supposed man in the tree I immediately 
crouched, bringing my rifle in position to fire, 
and kept on walking. We hid ourselves as 
much as possible on the side of the road, and 
when within a few feet of the tree I discovered 
that it was only the leaves stirring back and 
forth on account of the wind. No Filipino was 
there. By this you can easily understand just 
how we had to be constantly on guard. Wlien 
we arrived back to the camp I related the ex- 
perience to tlie boys, who m ere greatly amused, 
and they all had a good laugh at my compan- 
ion as well as myself. 

One day Ave received the news that Admiral 
Dewey was going to visit the water works, and 
of course w^e were all anxious to see him, as he 
w^as soon to leave for the States. 

In a few days this report was found to be 
true, wlien we noticed a carriage coming up the 
road. It was something Jiew to see a carriage 
at this place, and we felt sure that it was the 
Admiral. We were correct in our belief be- 
cause in a few minutes the carriage stoi)ped, 
and out stepped the " Hero of JNIanila Bay." 
He had come to make a call on Brigadier Gen- 



SPAMSII-AAIERICAX WAR 9.5 

eral Hall. We were called to order and pre- 
sented arms. I had an opportunity of oettiii"' 
a good look at Admiral Dewey. His appear- 
ance did not indicate that he was very well. 
Xo doubt this was due to the fact that he had 
been doing some hard w^ork. 

At night when we w^ere not on guard duty 
we would pass away the time reading by 
candle-light. One candle was allowed to each 
tent, and this had to last three days. Some of 
the boys were good singers, and occasionally 
we were entertained with songs. 

It was while at Deposoto that Lieutenant 
Spurgin of my company received the sad cable- 
gram that his wife had died at Piatt sburgh, 
New York. I was walking post that night, 
and had to go by his tent several times. On one 
occasion as I was passing by some one spoke 
my name, and turning around I saw lieuten- 
ant Spurgin. As I approached him he asked 
me to give him a drink of water from my can- 
teen. I quickly complied with his request. It 
certainly was pitiful to see him. He was tak- 
ing his loss very much to heart, and the sol- 
diers were verv much affected bv the sad oc- 



96 KEMINISCENCES OF THE 

casion which had befallen him. This lieuten- 
ant Mas very popular with the men under him 
because he was very kind and thou^i>iitrul for 
their welfare, and had shown his kinchiess of 
heart throughout the Cuban campaign. 

In the latter part of jMay we received orders 
to move on to the water works and relieve the 
regiment that had been doing hard duty at 
that 2K)int for two montlis past. They were 
certainly a happy bunch when it was an- 
nounced to them that the 21st was to relieve 
them. At this time the volunteers were all 
leaving the Island, much to their satisfaction 
and pleasure. Too much praise cannot be 
gi^eii to the volunteers for tliey proved tliem- 
selves to be good soldiers. I had the pleasure 
of knowing some of them very intimately, and 
they proved to be true friends. xVs their regi- 
ment left the camp we gave them a good send- 
off. 

In July we marched to the water works, or 
pum])ing station as it was called, eight miles 
from the city of INIanila. The ^Mariquina 
River, from which the city was supplied with 



spamsh-a:\ierica\ war 97 

water, was only four huiKlred yards from 
wliere we pitched our tents. Our camp was 
located on an elevation which was higher than 
the 2>uni2)ing station, and we could easily look 
over the jNIariquina valley, which extended four 
miles to the foot of the mountains. At night 
we could see the insurgents signalling to each 
other hy means of lights at different places 
along the foot of these mountains. By means 
of these lights they could locate each other 
alono' their lines. This was done along their 
lines for several miles. 

Kice tields could be seen all through the \-d\- 
ley for a great distance. The fields were not 
cultivated at this particular time, but were 
Hooded with water. 

To the left of the pumping station on the 
other side of the river lay the town of San 
]Mateo. It could easily be seen from the camp. 

The guard duty which we had tt) do here was 
much different than what we had been doing at 
El Deposoto. We had to be more diligent 
because we were on the line. Two guns of the 
Third Artillery were placed close to a block- 
house, thus making a fortified stronghold. 



98 HEMINISCENCES OF THE 

There was not niiich clanger of the enemy mak- 
ing an attack on us because their main force 
was figliting on the noi-th side under the com- 
mand of General Pio Del Pelar. But as it 
would only have taken a few insurgents to de- 
stroy tlie water plant, it became necessary to 
have tliis well guarded. 

We all had picket duty to do, and this duty 
was extended all along the line in front of the 
camp. In my opinion the hardest duty we had 
was the visiting patrol. Every post had from 
three to four pickets, now a visiting patrol, 
who would start out every hour to these differ- 
ent posts to see if all was well. Of course this 
work had to be done at night as well as in the 
daytime, and it was no fun to find these posts 
in the dark. On one occasion I lost my way 
and it was only after some wandering that I 
came to the main road, and heard the guard 
walking back and forth. 

All of the companies of the regiment did not 
go to tlie water works. Companies C, D, K, 
H, I and K were sent to Calamba, where they 
had already been engaged in several battles 
with the insurgents. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 99 

While I was at this camp I wrote several 
letters home to my anxious parents and friends, 
givin<r them all the news. 1 knew that they 
would be glad to hear from me. 



100 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



X. 



BATTLE AT CALAMBA. 



On the fourth day of Aufj^ust seventy-eight 
men of Company G of the 21,st Infantry and 
forty men from the 4th Cavahy started on a 
hike to a town called Tyatya, located eight 
miles across the JMariquina River. We took 
with us two days' food supply, as we did not 
know how long it ^vould he hefore we came 
back to camp. It was expected that any mo- 
ment we might engage the enemy because they 
had already made several attacks on one of 
our battalions at INIorong, four miles south of 
Tyatya. 

An advance guard was sent ahead of the 
main body about two hundred yards for the 
purpose of keeping a close lookout. This en- 
abled us to be ready for any attack that might 
be made. 

We reached the town late in the afternoon 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 101 

of the same day without coining in contact with 
tile insurgents. We were compelled to march 
through rice fields, and as thev were mostly 
covered with water, we became drenching wet, 
but as the sun was very hot it was not long be- 
fore our clothes were dry. 

At this place we rested, boiled some coffee, 
and had a good dinner. We bought fruit from 
the natives who seemed to be friendly to us. It 
was not good policy to trust the natives too 
much because some of our soldiers had found 
arms hidden in their homes. 

After examining the town and surroundings 
we started back to the water works, taking a 
different route. Of course everything was 
rather quiet around our camp, as the greater 
part of the fighting was at Calamba, which was 
held by ^"olunteers and Companies of the 21st 
Infantry. 

In a few days another effort was made to 
locate the Filipinos. It was decided to march 
on to San ]Mateo, which was three miles across 
the river to the left of us. A few days before 
this hike some of the soldiers ventured near this 
place and were killed. 1 was not called upon 



102 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

to take i^art in this expedition, hut several 
members of my company were. Those who 
did not take part in tlie hike had to guard the 
camp. This expedition consisted of the follow- 
ing: four Troops of the 4th Cavalry, four Com- 
panies of the 21st Infantry, two Companies of 
the 29th Infantry, and three Companies of the 
25th Colored Infantry. Altliough some of the 
boys had been killed at San JNIateo, it was not 
expected that a pitched battle would be fought. 

Our troops had arrived to within a short dis- 
tance of the village when they were fired upon, 
and immediately a pitched battle took place. 
We could easily hear tlie firing, and located 
the place where they were lighting l)ecause the 
smoke could easily be seen from our camp o^ er- 
looking the valley. 

We heard afterwards that the insurgents 
had made ready for an attack, and gathered 
a large force there, wliich outnumliered the 
Americans. As our men liad to advance in the 
open they could easily l^e seen. Five were 
killed and several wounded. The Filipinos 
were driven out of the town, but our soldiers 
had to return as we had no reinforcements, and 







^^«<t' 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 103 

of course tlie water works were of more im- 
jiortance. 

Another order was then received on August 
l.")th to proceed to ^Manila, and on the follow- 
ing day Me again broke camp and started on 
the eight mile hike. We arrived there that 
night, but did not remain in the city very long. 
We were taken on a train to Beguire, a very 
small village twentj^-five miles away on the 
Manila & Dagupan Railroad. At that place 
we relieved the 16th Infantry. 

Each one was given two hundred rounds of 
ammunition, with orders to hold the place. 
Upon arriving there we found the place de- 
serted, and after guarding the toMii all night 
M'ithout encountering the enemy, we returned 
to Manila. 

We had received our pay once at the water 
works, but most of the boys had sent their 
money home and others had left their funds 
with the jjaymaster. Of course being in the 
city we had an excellent chance to buy dif- 
ferent things, and it was through the kindness 
of our 2nd ]Jeutenant Vickers, who loaned us 



104 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

some money, that we were enabled to purchase 
several small things. 

This officer whom I have mentioned was 
once upon a time a private in Company A of 
the 21st Infantry, and received his commis- 
sion as second lieutenant on tlie transport 
" Hancock " while we were on our way to the 
Philippines. On the 2nd day of ]\Iay 1902 he 
was killed hi action with the Moros at Bayan, 
P. I. This place is now called Camp Vickers. 

At this time ^ery few volunteers remained 
on the Island, as most of them had returned 
to the States. They were replaced by other 
soldiers to fill out the companies which had 
been weakened by the loss of many men. 

After remaining at JSIanila a few days v/e 
took the cascoes for Calamba up the Pasig 
River for the purpose of joining the rest of the 
reo'iment. We travelled about fortv miles, 
and on this journey lost two of our men l)y 
drowning, they having fallen overboard as the 
boat struck the bridge. 

The cascoes were towed by small steam-boats 
and were very slow, ])ut the trip along the river 
was very picturesque. On arriving at the town 



SPAXISH-AMERICAN WAR 10.5 

of Pasi,i)f we were afforded an excellent view of 
the Governor's Palace, which was once oc- 
cupied hy the Spanish Governor. It is a heau- 
tifid building, the roof extending far over the 
water, and a handsome yacht could be seen 
under this extension close to the building. 

It was interesting to see so many cascoes 
loaded with cocoanuts, bananas, oranges and 
other fruit on their way to ^lanila. Each side 
of the river was lined with tall bamboo trees. 
We took notice of all these things along the 
route, and enjoyed the ride very much, but 
riding on these boats or cascoes is not very 
comfortable. The boats are small and on ac- 
count of conveying so many, most of us had to 
stand most of the way. 

We reached the Bay of Laguna, from which 
the Pasig River starts, and later in the after- 
noon arrived at Calamba. At this place we 
started to disembark. This was no easy task as 
there was no dock, and we had to be taken 
ashore in small l)oats. The road leading to 
Calamba was flooded, and we were obliged to 
wade in the water up to our knees until we 
reached the main part of tiie town where we 



lOG REMIMSCENCKS OF THt: 

found conditions a little better. One of our 
officers, Captain Bonesteel, rode in a boat from 
tbe shore to the town. 

Our supplies had all been taken out of the 
boats, and then to our headquarters in town. 
One of the best buildings in the village was 
taken for that purpose. The largest building 
that could be found was converted into a hos- 
pital. 

The regiment then took its place in the fir- 
ing line. The enemy were only about eight 
hundred yards away in the mountains, and 
these insurgents were certaiidy making a very 
strong stand. The outpost had been extended, 
and was being fired upon nearly every day. 
All vv^e could do was to hold our own, and the 
Filipinos seemed to know that. 

Tile gun-boat " Laguna de Bay " helped a 
great deal l)y guarding the water front. The 
outposts were located about two miles from the 
town of Calamba, and we had to cross a small 
river by means of a boat. In order to get over, 
the current was so strong, that a wire had to be 
strung' across and the boat was attached to this 



^a 



o 




SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 107 

wire. In this manner we were enabled to pull 
ourselves across in a direct course. 

Sug'ar cane was plentiful in this section of 
the country, and the different sugar mills, part 
of which were j^artly destroyed, showed that 
there was a large business in that line carried 
on in times of peace. 

This was in the month of October and the 
rainy season had already set in and was at its 
height. This made the campaign very dis- 
agreeable. ]Mos(|uitoes were more numerous 
at this time of the year than at any other thne. 

This camjJ was by no means as good as the 
one which had been occupied by us at the 
water w^orks, and some of our boys had already 
been taken down w^ith fever. The number do- 
ing duty on the line was cut down consider- 
ably, and those who were not sick had double 
duty to perform. 

In the latter part of November I received 
several letters from home, which pleased me 
a great deal. Some of them contained stamps, 
as I had asked to have some sent to me, but 
they were all stuck together. However, I 
managed to make use of them. Stamps were 



108 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

valuable because it was about impossible to 
procure auy at the camp. 

Compauy A of our regiment was stationed 
three miles away at Los Bannoes, and occupied 
a deserted church as their quarters. Near this 
church was a hot spring. Lros Bannoes was to 
our left, and the insurgents' lines extended as 
far as this town. As the town lay close to the 
water front our boys had the aid of the gun- 
boats, which were constantly on the lookout. 

Before the insurrection started these gun- 
boats were used i'or freight and j^assenger ser- 
vice by the Spaniards. They were not \cry 
large, but after having mounted on them two 
three 2-10 inch and two gatling guns, they 
proved to be of great service because they were 
able to run close to the shore and protect our 
soldiers. 

On the 3rd of October the Filipinos made a 
desperate attack on us, which started alxjut 
eleven o'clock in the forenoon. This attack 
was entirely a surprise to us, and for the first 
time since our arrival the three 2-10 inch guns 
of Battery F of the 5th Artillery had to be put 
into action, and they certainly did good work. 



SPA NISI I -A:\IERICAN war 109 

They \vere placed on a small hill at the rear 
of us, ))ack of Company E, and sent their 
shrapnel over our heads. It was not until live 
o'clock in the afternoon of the same day that 
the firing ceased. Our guns had done deadly 
work, and put the insurgents on the retreat. 
This was the first real battle that I had taken 
part in since our arrival on the Island, and it 
certainly was a hot one. ]Many of our soldiers 
were wounded. 

We heard a few days later through one of 
the Filipinos that the insurgents had lost many 
of their soldiers, but they were picked up and 
taken back by their comrades on the retreat. 
However, after this battle we did not advance 
any distance, as we were the only regiment 
there. The following day we heard that there 
had been a general attack all along the line, 
and that General Pio Del Pelar of the insur- 
gents liad been killed. This was certainly 
gratifying news, as he had been the means of 
keeping the American forces very Inisy. 

The troops all along the noi'th line had been 
kept busy fighting most of the time because the 
insurgents at that part of the Island were be- 



110 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

ing led by Aguinaldo himself. The Govern- 
ment was more desirous of capturing this man 
than any other because he was the cause of 
much trouble. He later fell into the hands of 
General Funston. 

In the meantime we had received new^s that 
a transport had arrived in the harbor of JNIa- 
nila Avith fresh troops who Avere to reinforce 
the different regiments. We A\'ere anxious to 
knoAv Avhether Ave Avere to get any recruits be- 
cause our regiment Avas not up to the standard 
in number. ^Many of the older soldiers had 
been discharged, and others Avere sick in the 
general hospital at ^Manila. In a few days 
seventy-five recruits Avere sent to Calamba, 
and reported for duty. They Avere allotted to 
the different companies. 

We Avere giA^en good food liere compared to 
Avhat Ave had in Cuba, and the Avater Avas also 
much better. We had good cooks Avho made 
very fine meals. Sweet 2)otatoes and meat 
Avere Axry plentiful, and of course Ave had 
hardtack, coffee and sometimes cake. It is 
needless to say that there Avas no frosting on 
the cake. 




Self-in-uclaimed Dictatur, Emilo Aguinaldo. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR HI 

On a very still night while I was on post 
duty 1 could easily hear the Filipinos count 
one, two, three, etc., in Spanish at their out- 
posts. I afterwards learned that this was done 
to make sm-e that every one was at their post, 
and not asleep. At different times during the 
night the insurgents would l)uild fires along 
the line to attract our attention. Their forces 
were not at any point where these fires were 
built. They thought that we would slioot in 
the direction of the fire, but we soon caught 
onto- their scheme, and they did not fool us. 

Outpost Xo. 3 extended further out towards 
the insurgents' lines than any other, and was 
fired upon more than any of the others. A 
sugar mill which was there had been destroyed 
but the sandstone chimney remained, and that 
served us to good advantage. The chimney 
which remained standing was about foiu'teen 
feet in height, and was wide enough so that a 
soldier could climb inside and overlook the 
enemy's lines by means of holes that we had cut 
in front. Within four feet from the top a 
board was placed through these holes across 
the top so that we could sit there and watch. 



112 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



XI. 

DEFEAT OF THE INSURGENTS. 

CoEONEL Keine of oiii' regiment received 
word that the I'ihpinos were to make another 
attack on tlie town. AVe received orders to 
liave onr rifles close at hand and keep our shoes 
on wlien we retired for the night. 

This report liad heen spread all along the 
line, and every one was on the lookout, hut as 
all had heen very quiet for three days, not a 
shot having been fired by either side, we sup- 
posed that the action of the insurgents was 
done to keep us ofl^ our guard. On the night of 
October 20th at 11 :30 o'clock we found the re- 
port to be true. The enemy's bullets came 
whizzing through our camp, and we were sent 
out to reinforce the outposts. 

It was a very dark nigjit, and we could see 
the flash of light coming from their rifles as 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 113 

they fired, whieh enabled us to locate their posi- 
tion. Tliey had advanced within three hun- 
(h-ed yards of our outposts when they opened 
fire, but we were there ready for them. We 
kept up a hea\'y fire on them while we ad- 
vanced about a hundred yards further than the 
outposts, wliich were in the sugar cane. The 
firing was kept up luitil four o'clock in the 
morning, and then the insurgents retired. 

Tlie battery of the 5th Artillery had located 
the enemy's hues, and nuist have done deadly 
work. A few of our boys were wounded, but 
none were killed. We certainly used a number 
of rounds of our ammunition that night. 

Outpost Xo. 3, which was the nearest to 
the enemy's lines, was in the greatest danger. 
I should judge that we had fired about two 
hundred rounds of amnumition each. My 
shoulder was black and blue from the recoil of 
my rifle, and most of the boys experienced the 
same trouble. This battle kept the enemy 
quiet for a few days, and w^e were not fired 
upon as frequently as before. 

During this intel•^•al we witnessed a few 
cock-fights in Cahunba, which was greatly en- 



114 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

joyed. This is one of the chief sports of the 
Fihpinos. Several bets were made on the re- 
sults of these cock-fights by our soldiers be- 
cause tlie boys had just received their pay, and 
had money. 

It was interesting to see how excited the boys 
would get over this sport. These cock-fights 
drew large crowds of the natives who were not 
in the service of the insurgents. 

Small stores had been started in Calamba, 
where candies, bananas and oranges were sold, 
and these were well patronized by the Ameri- 
can soldiers. 

JNIany of the soldiers acquired the habit of 
drinking a liquor called beno, distilled by the 
natives. This resembled corn whisky made in 
this country, but was much stronger, and of 
very poor quality. It proved to be a bad thing 
for om- boys, as it was almost like poison. I 
regret to say that some of the soldiers took too 
nmch of this drink, and many a pj)or fellow 
went crazy from the effect of it. In fact, some 
of tliem had to be discharged from tlie service 
on tluit account. It seemed such a pity be- 
cause most of the bovs wlio went to the bad 




■> 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 115 

were fine soldiers before they had begun to 
drinlv this vile liquor. 

The Commissary Department had received 
a large quantity of tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, 
and also canned provisions. The soldiers were 
all able to buy these goods at reduced prices. 

The houses or shacks that I have mentioned 
that we occuj^ied for our quarters, were made 
of bamboo, and the roof was covered with long 
grass. The structure was held together by 
means of wooden pins. The floors were made 
of narrow strips of bamboo laid about half an 
inch apart. Bamboo is very common in the 
Philippines. The houses were suj^ported by 
posts, and elevated three or four feet from the 
ground. This elevation was on account of the 
rainy season when the ground was often cov- 
ered with water for some depth. 

It was surprising to see how well some of 
these shacks were made. The doors and win- 
dows were entirely of bamboo, and were nearly 
all the same style. One would imagine by the 
looks of the roof on these shacks that the rain 
would penetrate through, but much to the con- 
trarv, it made no difference how hard it rained. 



116 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

we were sure of not getting wet inside. Tlie 
roof was very well put together with tall Nipa 
grass. 

After a time the Filipinos started firing on 
our outposts again, and kept it up for three 
days, and continued getting closer to our lines. 
Colonel Kline made arrangements to drive 
them back again. The officer who was in 
charge of the battery of tlie oth Artillery asked 
permission of Captain Bonesteel of Company 
G to pick out seven men to handle a gatling 
gun. I chanced to be one of the seven picked 
out for that purpose. The night before we 
were called by name and lined up to receive in- 
structions from the officer in charge as to how 
we were to handle the gun, because none of us 
had done this kind of duty before we were 
given our position. 

At four o'clock on the morning of Oct. 23rd 
we started with five companies and two guns of 
the 5th Artillery and a machine gun. The lat- 
ter was drawn by two mules. All were under 
the personal direction of Colonel Kline. It 
was still dark, but we knew the surrounding 
territory very well. We crossed a bridge go- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 117 

ing off from the main road to where our out- 
posts Mere, and liei'e we reeeived tlie eonimand 
to form a skirmisli hue. We were then in the 
open riee fields, and it was just heginning to 
get davHght. 

The sivirniish hue extended north and south, 
and the noise from tlie ratthng of the chains 
and the gun-carriage going over the rice ridges 
no douht covdd easily be heard by the enemy, 
because at this hour of the morning every- 
thing was quiet, and the slightest noise could 
be heard a long distance away. 

As soon as they heard us approaching, just 
as we had anticipated, there was a sharp blast 
from a bugle, which we believed to be their 
signal of our approach. In a very short time 
after this signal the bullets were again flying 
thick and fast over our heads, and some of them 
were quite effective. One of the mules that 
had drawn the gatling gun was shot through 
the breast. 

A quick movement then took place, because 
we were compelled to detach the mule from 
the gun to make ready to fire on the enemy. 

Tlie command was then ofiven to fire at will 



118 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

for the bullets were coming fast, and the enemy 
was advancing towards us. It was somewhat 
exciting, but one forgets the danger when in 
a battle, especially after you have had some ex- 
perience under fire. I had had previous expe- 
rience under fire, and I did not mind this ex- 
citement. 

The gat ling gun was soon ready for action. 
I took my station at the crank that operates the 
machine, and we soon had the gun in action. 
The three 2-10 inch guns of the 5th Artillery 
were also in action, firing shrapnel. A heavj^' 
firing was also being kept up by the Infantry. 
All this was too much for the enemy, and they 
were soon on the run. We had advanced a few 
hundred yards with great difficulty because we 
were compelled to draw the machine gun by 
hand over the rice field ridges, which was no 
easy task. It was about all that two nmles 
could do. 

As we advanced and took the enemy's 
trenches we found many of their soldiers killed 
and wounded. We also captured a sugar mill. 
We noticed in the galvanized roof of this mill 







^,wi» 










SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 119 

several bullet holes, which showed that we had 
been firing high. 

Occasionally we could hear shots in the dis- 
tance, fired by the enemy, but they were with- 
out effect, as the range was too far. On the 
ground we found many Krag-Jorgensen shells, 
which they had made use of by means of wash- 
ers being placed around the head of the shell. 
Others had been thinned out so that they could 
be used with the old Springfield rifles, which 
were of a larger calibre than our rifles. By 
this means they used this ammunition with 
good effect, and certainly was very clever on 
their part. This demonstrated that they were 
equal to an emergency. 

Finally we ceased firing and came to a halt. 
We took a much needed rest before returning 
to the camp. In the distance we could see sev- 
eral camp fires still burning, which showed that 
our attack on the enemy was unexpected. 

Before returning to the camp Colonel Kline 
asked to have some one go after the harness 
that was on the mule which had been killed 
during the engagement, and as I was near him 
I volunteered to go. After mounting a mule I 



120 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

started on my way, which was a distance of 
about two miles, and vei\v difficult travelling. 
I was compelled to go by the way of a narrow 
path through the sugar cane. It is not very 
pleasant to ride on a mule without a saddle, 
especially w^hen one has never ridden on a mule 
before, but I kept on going very courageously. 
Suddenly my mule came to a stop, and I tried 
to persuade him to advance further, I)ut it was 
no use. I was unable to do so, and after look- 
ing around I noticed the dead body of one of 
our soldiers who had been shot through the 
mouth just a few feet away. Then I saw two 
of the hospital corps attending a wounded 
soldier. 

After considerable difficulty I managed to 
start the mule again and continued on my way 
until I found tlie dead mule. Here I dis- 
mounted and attempted to take the harness off, 
but was unable to do so, and was compelled to 
go back to where I had seen the hospital corps 
and ask them to help me. They assisted me 
and I returned with the harness, which was put 
onto one of the officer's horses and was used 
with another mule to draw the gatling gun. 




Filipiuos Dead in the Trenches. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 121 

We arrived at camp about three or four o'clock 
in the afternoon, with about twenty prisoners. 
A good dinner was waiting for us, which I ate 
with much relish, as I was very hungry. This 
was the last battle I took part in, although I 
expected that I would be engaged in many 
other attacks. 



122 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



XII. 

FUXERAI. CF GENERAL LAVrTOX. 

The glad news came to us through the 
" Freedom," a JNIanila newspaper puhhslied by 
Americans, tliat we were soon to he reheved by 
the 28th Infantry, hut hiter on tliis report was 
found not to ])e true. 

In the meantime we had lost two men from 
my company by death on account of fever, and 
many were sick in the hospital at Calamba. 
Quinine was given to the soldiers in liquid form 
when we first arrived on tlie Island, hut this 
did not taste very good to us. It was after- 
wards given to us in pill form. 

There was a large kettle in the sugar mill in 
our camp, and this was taken outside and uti- 
lized for the purpose of boiling our drinking- 
water. At night we would fill our canteens 
and liang tliem on a branch in a tree. We 
would allow the canteen to remain uncorked. 



SPANISH-AMERICAX WAR 123 

and by morning the water was nice and 
cool. 

It was during an afternoon while on guard 
duty that I was taken sick with the fever. At 
this post there was a large tall tree which tow- 
ered in the air, and a small board was so ar- 
ranged (juite a ways up so as to make a seat 
which was (juite comfortable. Whenever a 
soldier was on duty he could sit there and over- 
look the surrounding country. This day it was 
my turn to take that place. The hot sun was 
beating down on me and it was very unpleas- 
ant, as there was absolutely no shade to cover 
the place where I was sitting. In a short while 
I was taken sick, which was the first sickness I 
had experienced since my arrival on the Island. 
This was the last guard duty I did in the army. 

I came down from the tree and had to be 
taken on a stretcher to the hospital at Calamba, 
where I remained for two weeks, ])ut I did not 
make any gain in health. Finally the doctor 
decided to send me to the general hospital at 
^Manila with several others of my regiment, 
who had also been taken down with the fever. 
We were taken to a ])oat which \\ould carry us 



124 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

to iManila by tlie way of Lacuna tie Bay and 
the l^isig Iii\ er. We arrived there at about 
two o'clock in the afternoon, and were imme- 
diately taken to the general hospital, ^vliich was 
already crowded with sick and w^ounded sol- 
diers. The building whicli was converted into a 
hospital was not large enough to accommodate 
all of the sick, and tents were erected in lines 
to form wards. ^Vooden floors were laid in 
these tents, and everything was dry and neat. 
The sick were well taken care of. The doctors 
and nurses were always ready to come to our 
assistance, and were very kind to us. In fact, 
one would not receive any better care at 
home. 

The morgue was not very far from tlie hos- 
pital, and from wliere I lay I could look out 
and see the coffins piled alongside tlie building. 
Every morning from one to three dead bodies 
were taken o\'er and placed in slieet iron caskets 
and then in coffin boxes, and after being sealed, 
were taken to a temporary burying-ground on 
tlie outskirts of the city. I^ater on they were 
dug up, and transported to the United States 
on trans]:)orts for burial. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 12.5 

In the iiieantiiiic 1 received the news that the 
21.st Infantry had been ordered away from 
Calaniba to Passa}-. This no doubt was a great 
rehef to the boys, as they had been doing hard 
duty for five months. The doctors at Calaniba 
had ah-eady asked to have me discharged from 
the army, but 1 did not know anything about 
this until 1 had been at ^lanila for a few days. 
It was all a surprise to me. 

On December 19th the sad news was given 
out of the death of Brigadier General Lawton, 
who was killed at San JNIeado, a small town 
near the water works. At one time my regi- 
ment had been engaged in a battle at that 
place. Flags were lowered at half mast all 
over the public buildings of the city. General 
Lawton was very popular with all the boys, 
and it was a great shock to them. His popu- 
larity was strong, and the men had confidence 
and respect for him because of his kindness and 
the good judgment and ability he had dis- 
played, both in the Philippines and in the 
Cuban campaign. He had been shot in the left 
lung, and it proved to be fatal. His funeral 
took place on the 30th day of December. I 



126 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

witnessed the funeral from the band-stand on 
the Lunetta. 

I will here describe the funeral as I saw it 
passing to the transport " Thomas." First in 
line were thirty native policemen, who cleared 
everything in front of them. Then followed a 
company of armed Infantry, and following 
them came the 20th Infantry band, playing the 
funeral march. The band was followed by 
Brigadier General Hall in command of three 
brigades of Infantry regiments, one battalion 
of Artillery, and three trooj)s of Cavalry 
mounted. Following this escort came the sad 
spectacle, the body of General Lawton. His 
beautiful mahogany casket was buried in flow- 
ers, and was placed on a caisson drawn by six 
horses. Behind him followed his faithful horse 
led by his orderly. On the horse was placed 
the general's saddle and his boots. Alongside 
the dead body were twelve officers, followed by 
the 8th Army Corps flag, which the general 
had with him in every battle in which he took 
part. It was held by a soldier on horseback 
and showed its service by being very much 
soiled. Following what I have described came 



v 




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H^P 




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i J-l ■ 


^^^B. \ 


1 

■ ._ 




7 ' 

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1^^^ 




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" ■■■I- - ' 






?:,■.'.' , ■ _. — ; 


- 'J::Hv^^B 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 127 

the pall-bearers in carriages, comprising Rear 
Admiral Watson, General Wheeler, and other 
officers of the army and navy. They were fol- 
lowed by the JSIarines of the first-class battle- 
ship " Oregon " and the cruiser " Brooklyn." 
Many civilians followed the funeral proces- 
sion in carriages and on foot. 

The body was taken to a steam launch, which 
carried it to the transport " Thomas." This 
transport was to convey the remains to the 
United States for burial. The body was ac- 
companied by INIrs. Lawton and her three chil- 
dren. This funeral was a most impressible 
sight. 



ll>8 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



XIII. 



MAX IL A J A PAX. 



The rainy season was ahont over and tlie 
weather was getting very pleasant at this time. 
I was well enougli to be al)out, and I took ad- 
vantage of this and visited all abont the city. 
On the evening of January 1st, 1000, a con- 
cert was given which I attended, in hcnior of 
tlie opening of the tirst Y. ^I. C. A. })uilding 
in the Philippines. Tliis was a vocal and in- 
strumental concert, in which the natives and 
soldiers took part. It v/as well rendered and 
enjoyed by all. 

A few days later^the 49th Colored Regiment 
of Volunteers arrived. They were lined up on 
the " Lunetta " and certainly were a line look- 
ing lot of soldiers. The officers as well as the 
men were colored except the majors and col- 
onel. This was the first time tliat I had ever 
seen colored officers in the army. 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 129 

On tlie 7th of January, 1900, while I was 
still convalescent, much to my surprise, I was 
called to the doctor's office and given my dis- 
charge. I was told to go to headquarters in the 
city, and there receive my transportation ex- 
penses, and also the money that was due me for 
service. I had not received any pay for a long 
time. On leaving the office 1 returned to the 
hospital in a very nervous condition. I could 
not understand why I had received my dis- 
charge before my time expired. The follow- 
ing morning I proceeded to headquarters, and 
there received my money and j^roper trans- 
portation papers. 

The transport " Hancock," on which the 
21st had been taken to the Philippines, lay at 
anchor in the harbor. I learned that she was 
soon to return to the United States. I was 
very glad of this fact because I was anxious to 
return home on the same boat which had 
brought me to the Islands. Of course the 
" Hancock " had made several voyages to the 
States since our arrival. 

I was sent to the walled city where all dis- 
charged soldiers were waiting for an o])[)(3rtu- 



130 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

nity to return lioiiie. jMany of the boys re- 
mained in the PliiHjjpines to work, as wages 
were very good. 

A large building was used to accommodate 
the discharged soldiers, and we were well taken 
care of with plenty of good food and excellent 
sleeping quarters. The transport was sched- 
uled to leave on the 19th of January, and this 
gave me an opportunity of wandering al)out 
the city and taking in all the sights. 

A few days later 1 decided to go to Passay, 
where my com])any was stationed, for the pur- 
pose of l)idding the boys goodby. I had not 
seen tliem since I left Calamba. They were 
certaiidy all glad to see me, ])ut I felt very 
sorry for them, ]Many of the boys were tired 
of the service, and were anxious to go home. 
No one could ])lame them for this feeling. 
Things seemed to be very unpleasant, and the 
effect of being in a strange country with 
strange surroundings, where the climate con- 
dition does more lunoc than the effect of the 
enemy's bullets, is enough to cause one to tliink 
of home. 

Every night the boys and myself went to 




Group of G-Corupauy Taken at Calamba, P. I. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 131 

the " Lunetta " where ])and eoncerts were 
given by a FiHi)iiio band, organized and led 
by the band master of the Oth Artillery. The 
band-stand was in the center of the park, and 
was lighted by electricity. The band consisted 
of sixty-five members, and the concerts were 
attended by hundreds of people. It was the 
intention of the leader to take this native band 
to America and tour through the country. 

During the daytime I strolled through the 
streets of oSIanila, and visited all places of in- 
terest. I bought many small articles to bring 
home as souvenirs. I went to one of the cloth- 
ing stores and bought myself a straw hat, a 
white linen suit, and a pair of tan shoes, all 
manufactured in Spain. This whole outfit 
cost me sixteen pecos, which is equal to about 
$8.00 in American money. I then proceeded 
to a photograph gallery where I had my pic- 
ture taken. 

The Bridge of Spain which crossed the Pasig 
River, is very peculiarly constructed and in- 
teresting. It was always crowded with peo- 
ple. Street cars, which were operated at the 
time by horses, ran across the bridge. There 



132 remtxiscp:nces of the 

was quite a gratie from the road to the bridge, 
and two extra horses had to be used to draw 
the street car across. 

All ice-plant was being built in the city, 
which was to be when completed the largest of 
its kind in the world. It was located near the 
Pasig Kiver just across the bridge. 

The Escolta is the princij^al street in JManila, 
and there were always large crowds on it, 
hurrying to and fro. JMany soldiers could be 
seen on the street because a large number of 
them had come to stay in the city a few days 
before leaving. The buildings in the city were 
very low, much different than American build- 
ings. The upper story projected over the side- 
walks. jNIanila is inhabited mostly b^' Chinese 
and Filipinos. 

I also visited several churches, wliich had 
been erected years and j^ears ago. The works 
of art in some of them were exceptionally 
beautiful, and e(jual to many of our American 
churches. Of course the designs were peculiar. 
Nearly all of the floors were made of mar- 
ble. 

There were manv new stores that had been 



spaxish-a:\ierican war 133 

started hy Spanish, JMi<4lisli and Americans, 
and a person could purchase ahnost anything 
tliat ]ie desired, providing' tliat he liad the 
nR)ney to pay for what he wanted. 

The llOth Infanti'v liad heen doing- guard 
(hity in the city for a long time, as the city 
was still imder a martial law. It was abso- 
lutely safe for people to tra^■el about in all 
parts of the city. 

I enjoyed myself in ^Manila inmiensely, I 
will never forget the many interesting sights 
I viewed. 

On the 18tli of the month the discliarged 
soldiers who were to leave the island received 
notice to make ready to depart on the follow- 
ing morning. I packed all my belongings into 
a box that I had purchased in town, and had 
it taken to the wharf to be placed on the trans- 
j)ort. There were only a feM' soldiers who had 
been discharged (hii'iiig that time, and we were 
delayed that day as there were fom- hundred 
and eight bodies to be loaded on the ship to be 
taken to the States. On the 19th of January 
in the evening we sailed out of JNIanila Bay on 
our way to Japan. This was a for.r days' run, 



134 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

and the transport had to take on coal at this 
place. 

The trip was very pleasant, as we had fine 
weather, and our transport " hancock " had 
been remodelled since it had brought us to the 
Islands. There were new accommodations, 
and the wash-rooms were new, also the sleeping 
quarters. An ice-plant had been installed on 
board, and ice water was always at our dis- 
posal. The transport was not crowded, and we 
found it very comfortable and enjoyable. 

In going to Japan we passed through the 
Strait of Formosa. We had a good view of 
the Island of Formosa which is quite an his- 
torical country. At one time it belonged to 
China, but during the China-Japan War it was 
taken by the latter, and is still owned by them. 

At the end of four days we sighted the 
southern part of Japan, and a few days later 
we entered the harbor of Nagasaki, which is 
surrounded by mountains sloping down to the 
water's edge, making the scenery very pictur- 
esque. The weather was very cold. We had 
been sailing due north from the Philippines, 
which made a considerable change in the tem- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 13.5 

perature. It was miicli cooler, and I felt 
somewhat uncomfortable in my light clothes. 

We remained here five days to take on coal, 
and during all this time any of the men on 
board who wished to visit the city were given a 
leave of absence. We were permitted to be 
away all day, but had to return to the boat 
every night and report. 

The Japs were on the job and came along- 
side the transport with small boats and took us 
ashore for a trivial sum. Everything was so 
peculiar for us, the customs of the people, their 
w^ay of living, and of course we were unable 
to talk to them because they did not under- 
stand our language, and we did not understand 
tlieir mother-tongue. I was ol)liged to pur- 
chase heavier clothing on account of the differ- 
ence in temperature which I have mentioned 
before. Several of the boys had already caught 
cold. 

At night the harbor of Xagasaki looked its 
best. There were several gunboats and line- 
boats laying at anchor, and it was a beauti- 
ful sight to see all of tlie ships lit up. The 
" Hancock " with its electric lights looked like 



VMS REMIMSCENCES OF THE 

a floating palace from the sliore. It certainly 
was a brilliant spectacle to look upon. 

The coaling of the transport at Nagasaki 
was very unique and interesting. It usually 
takes from three to four days to coal a ship. 
It is done by Japanese men, women and chil- 
dren. The boats are loaded with coal and 
towed alongside the ship. The baskets are 
then filled with coal, which are handed from 
one to another down the line until it is dumped 
in the bunkers of the ship. The empty ])askets 
are returned in the same mannei- by. children 
to be refilled. This foi'ms sort of a human 
chain. It was surpi-ising to see how ra2)idly 
tliis was done wittiout any one permitting coal 
to fall from the baskets. Every one on board 
seemed greatly interested in this work and 
watched it for a long time. 

Xagasaki at this time had a population of 
about l.iO.OOO, and is (juite a business city. 
The business houses as well as the ])rivate 
dwellings were mostly two-story buildings. 
Most of them were made of bamboo and other 
Japanese wood. There were restaurants in 
town owned and managed by American ex- 



SPANISH-AMEKICAN WAR 137 

soldiers who had been discharged (hiring the 
early part of the Philippine campaign. These 
places of business were thriving very well be- 
cause most of the soldiers returning to the 
States stopped at Nagasaki on account of the 
ships taking on coal. I visited an P^nglish 
school where English was taught to the Japa- 
nese children. 

The numerous gardens were another inter- 
esting feature of the place. They were built 
on the side of the mountains, being levelled off 
for several feet in width. Everything in the 
line of garden produce was grown in much 
abundance. It was now February, and the 
natives were gathering in their crops and food 
stuffs. Our transport took aboard a supply of 
vegetables and garden produce for our own use 
on the way back. 

I took a ride in a jinrikisha while in the city. 
This is a two-wheeled cart with a top, and is 
drawn by a Japanese by means of a pair of 
shafts. They are made similar to our two- 
wheeled sulkeys. This mode of conveyance is 
very common in Japan. 

1 took in everything of interest, and en- 



138 KEMINISCENCES OF Till) 

joyed my stay very niucli. They wei-e things 
that I had never seen before, and I felt that I 
might never have another opportmiity of visit- 
ing in Japan. 

The Japanese were all very friendly to iis, 
and extended every courtes}^ in their power. 
I was surprisd to hear so many of the Jaj^s 
speaking the English language. While I was 
m the eity I patronized a Japanese barber- 
shop, and received a shave and hair-cut. 

The transport was finally loaded, and on the 
8tli day of February we again started on oiu' 
way towards home. We passed through the 
Inland Sea of Japan, which is very pictur- 
esque, as the mountains run almost straight up 
from the water's edge. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 139 



XIV. 

SAN FRANCISCO — HOMEWARD BOUND. 

Our return voyage was altogether as pleas- 
ant as could be expected. On board we en- 
joyed different amusements. We plaj'ed 
checkers, cards, and other games. 

We had the misfortune of losing an officer 
and a sergeant on our trip homeward. The 
bodies were not buried at sea. The " Han- 
cock " had been fitted up with all the neces- 
sary equipment for the embalming of the 
bodies, and they could quickly be put into a 
condition so that they could be brought back to 
the United States for burial. You will recall 
that besides these we had four hundred and 
eight other dead bodies on board the transport. 

Religious meetings were held on deck 
nearly every evening by a Salvation Army 
Captain, who had devoted over a year's time 
in the Philippines. 



14.0 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

The evenings were very enjoyable. We 
would sit on deck, telling stories about the dif- 
ferent hajjpenings that liad been experienced 
while in the army. This helped to pass away 
the time. 

On the 26th day of February we sighted the 
Golden Gate of California. A jjilot was taken 
on l)')ard for the purpose of getting us properly 
into the harbor of San Francisco. 

The flags on the ship were at half mast, 
showing that the boat was bringing back bodies 
of dead soldiers who had lost tlieir lives in the 
service of their country. ]Many of tliem had 
gone to the Philippines on the same boat about 
eleven months jireAious. 

The Battery of Passideo at the entrance of 
the harbor liad noticed our ship, and fired the 
customai-y t'sventy-one guns in lionor of the 
dead. 

Two of the Chinamen who had been em- 
ployed on board our sliip were taken sick diu'- 
ing the trip, althougli not seriously. On ar- 
riving in the harbor the Health Officer of tlie 
city was taken on board, and held us in quaran- 
tine for a wliile. It was circulated around 



SFAMSH-AMERICAN WAR 141 

amoniT" the men tluit we were to stay on board 
for thirty (hiys, wliieh was somewhat (Hseourag*- 
ing news, but after the doctor had made a more 
careful examination of the sick Chinamen, he 
decided to let us go on shore. 

Of course the " Hancock " lay at anchor, 
and we had to l)oard another vessel to take us 
to the dock at San Francisco. AVe made a stop 
at Angel Island, where we let off some pris- 
oners who had been taken in the Philippines, 
and were brought to the United States. A 
military prison is located on this island. 

After a few minutes' ride we landed at San 
Francisco, where everything looked so beauti- 
ful. Spring had just set in. I began to feel 
that I was once more in " God's own country." 

Hiram Lawler, who had also been in the 
army and was retiu'ning home, was my com- 
panion on the voyage, and of course we made it 
a point to be together as much as we could when 
we landed. It was more pleasant for two to 
be together than for one to roam about all 
alone. We went to one of the hotels of the 
city and hired a room because we expected to 
remain in town a little while. To tell the 



142 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

honest truth, we did not have a very good sleep 
the first night hecause we were not aceustonied 
to sleeping in such soft heds. 

We had learned before leaving the Philip- 
pines that all honorably discharged soldiers 
could procure reduced rates on the railroads 
from the lied Cross Society, whicli liad its 
offices in tlie " Call Building." This building 
at the tiu-ie was one of the skyscrapers in San 
Francisco, and was afterwards greatly dam- 
aged by tlie eartliquake which occurred there. 

JNly friend and I decided to wear our uni- 
forms until we reached home. We were proud 
to be about the streets in the uniform of Uncle 
Sam. 

During the day while we were in tlie hotel 
people would ask us all kinds of questions re- 
garding the army and the experiences we had 
in the Philippines, and we were kept (piite busy 
answering inquiries. Our stay in the city was a 
very pleasant one. The 2)eople seemed to think 
that there was nothing too good for the sol- 
diers, and we were well received every^vhere. 

After a short time the discharged soldiers 
started ft)r their various homes, some going 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 143 

south, others north, east and west. It was not 
altogether a pleasant thing to bid each other 
goodby because we did not know whether we 
would ever meet again. 

I received my transportation in about five 
days after we had landed, and started for home 
by way of the Southern Pacific Railroad. 
This was a different route than the one over 
which I had come to the Pacific coast. The 
further we travelled from California, the colder 
it became, and on arriving at Topeka, Kansas, 
we found that the railroad was blocked with 
snow, and we had to remain there for nearly 
twenty-four hours. At this city my friend left 
me, as he had to take a different train to reach 
his home. 

On the balance of my trip I met many peo- 
ple, and made many acquaintances. All were 
very kind to me, many of them sharing their 
lunches with me, and again I was asked all 
kinds of questions regarding the Philippines. 

On arriving at Buffalo 1 had to remain there 
six hours for train connections. While in the 
city I was approached and had several inter- 
views with newspajjer reporters, who were 



144 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

very anxious to get stories from me with re- 
gard to army life. After I returned liome I 
received newspapers with articles in them 
which had been written from the information 
1 gave to the reporters. 

From Eufl'alo I took the train to Sclienec- 
tady, and then to Saratoga. At Schenectady 
I met an old friend of mine from Rouses Point, 
and told him that I was going to give my folks 
a surprise, as they did not know that I was 
about to return home. lie thought he would 
turn the tables on me, and give me a surprise 
instead. At Plattsburgh he excused himself, 
and said he would have to get off the train to 
see a party. When he got off here he tele- 
graphed to Rouses Point, stating that I would 
be home tliat night by express. JMuch to my 
surpi'ise when I arrived at Rouses Point that 
evening there was a large crowd of people at 
the station to meet me. However, it was some- 
what of a surprise to them because they had 
placed a wrong interpretation on the telegram, 
and as I had not written home for a long time, 
they were all gathered at the place where the 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 145 

baggage car stopped, thinking they were going 
to receive a corpse. I shall never forget the 
expression on their faces when I walked from 
the train to meet them. 

It is unnecessary for me to say tliat the}^ 
were all ver}'^ glad to see me. jNIy parents 
were esj^eciaily glad to know that I had re- 
tui'ned liome to remain with them indeiinitely. 

Of course I was also glad to be home, but 
the time which 1 spent iii the army, taken as 
a whole, was enjoyed l)y me very nuich. Army 
life is an experience which brings nuich good 
to any one who has accepted the opportunity 
to serve his country. When I enlisted my am- 
bitions ran high for army life. I anticipated 
the pleasures of travelling to and visiting 
foreign countries while in tlie service, and my 
expectations had all been fullilled. An en- 
joyable trip by ti-ain through the Atlantic sea- 
board states to Florida, several months in 
Cuba, my return to Plattsburgh, the trip across 
the continent to San Fi-ancisco, the voyage 
across the Pacific to the Philippines, several 
months in the service in tlie Philippine Islands, 



146 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

the homeward trip by the way of Japan, 
then to San Francisco, and then across the 
continent to Ronses Point were events in my 
life w^hich will never be forgotten. 

THE END. 



CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF BATTLES 
AND ACTIONS. 



SrAMSH-AMEKICAN WAR 141) 



Chronological list of battles, actions in which 
the 21st Infantiy pai'ticipated, also the differ- 
ent companies of the same regiment in Cuba 
and in the Philippines from 1898 to 1902. 

Santiago, Cuba, from July 1st to the 17th, 
1898. 

JMay llth, 1899, ^Mariquina Road at the 
Deposotory, E Company, 21st Infan- 
try P. I. 

June 18tli, 1899, Baccor, P. I., B. C, D, 
F, H, I, K, L Companies. 

June imh, 1899, Zapote River, P. 1., 21st 
Infantry. 

July 17th, 1899, ]Macitar, P. 1., C Com- 
pany. 

July 2()th, 1899, Calamha, P. I., C, D, E, 
li, I, K, 21st Infantry. 

July 28th, 1899, Calaml)a, P. I., C, D, E, 
H, I and K Companies. 

July 29th, 1899, Calaiiiha. V. 1., C, D, E, 
II, 1 and K Companies. 



150 REMINISCENCES OE THE 

July 30th, 1899, Calamba, P. I., C, D, E, 

H, I and K Companies. 
August 12tli, 1899, San Mateo, P. I., E, 

G and L Companies. 
September 15th, 1899, Calamba, P. I., E 

Company. 
September 29th, 1899, Los Banos, P. I., 

A Company. 
October 3rd, 1899, Calamba, P. I., 21st 

Infantry. 
October 20th, 1899, Calamba, P. I., 21st 

Infantry. 
October 23rd, 1899, Calamba, P. L, B, 

D and I Companies. 
Xovember 18tli, 1899, Los Banos, P. I., 

n Company. 
Decem])er 2-tth, 1899, Calamba, P. L, C 

Company. 
August 27th, 1900, Near San Hicolas, C 

C'omjjany. 
September 23rd, 1900, jNIuntinlupa, P. I., 

A and C Companies. 
December 8th, 1900, Boot Peninsula, P. 

I., B and D Companies. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 151 

December Stli, 1000, "N^ear Sariaya, P. I., 
E Company. 

December .'JOtb, 1900, Near Sariaya, P. 
I., E Company 

Jannary 9th, 1901, Xear Taysan, P. I., 
F and H Companies. 

January 15th, 1900, Xear Conda, P. I., 
H Company. 

February 9th, 1901, Los Banos, P. I., M 
Company. 

February 21st, 1901, Near Pagsanjan, P. 
L, K Company. 

March 23rd, 1901, Tiaon, P. I., I Com- 
pany. 

May 2nd, 1901, Cavinti, P. I., A, K and 
M Companies. 

May 5th, 1901, Bouat, P. I., A, K, and 
C Companies. 

May 8th, 1901, Lucban, P. I., E Com- 
pany. 

June 10th, 1901, Jipa, P. I., B and D 
Companies. 

June 14th, 1901, Santa Cruz, P. I., E 
Company. 



152 REMINISCENCES OF THE 

June 22n(l, 1901, Near Unisan, P. I., H 
Coiiipaiiy. 

July 1.5th, 1901, Calapan, P. I., G Com- 
pany. 

August 6th, 1901, ^Mount Xiaga, P. I., 
H and J Companies. 

August 20tli, 1901, Bakitan Earrio, P. I., 
G Company. 

August 20th, 1901, San 15euita Earri, 
P. I., C Company. 

Septem])er 20th, 1901, Ahnsinongin Bar- 
rio, P. I., D Company. 

October 8th, 1901, ^Mount Caraya, P. I., 
D Com2)any. 

October 29, 1901, San Jose, P. I., F 
Company. 

November 6th, 1901, Near IMount ]Uiguil, 
F Company. 

December 8th, 1901, Jipa, P. 1., B, D, 
H and I Companies. 

December lOtli, 1901, Caiidelaria, P. I., 
C Company. 

December 10th, 1901, Near San Pablo, 
P. I., B, D and 1 Companies. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 1j3 

December lOtli. 1901, Tabian Barrio, P. 

I., G Company. 
December lOtli, 1901, Colod Barrio, P. 

I., G Company. 
December 18tli, 1901, Xear Baleta, P. 

I., H Company. 
December IStli, 1901, ]Mount Maguiling, 

P. 1., M Company. 
December 23r(l, 1901, Near San Jose, P. 

I., F Company. 
January 1st, 1902, Loboo, P. I., G Com- 
pany. 
January 2n(l, 1902, Near Taysan, P. I., 

B, D, H, I, 21st Infantry. 
January 7tb, 1902, Near Calamba, P. I., 

K Company, 
February 5th, 1902, Campo, P. I., E and 

C Companies. 
February 20th, 1902, N^ear Tananan, P. 

L, A and K Companies. 
February 22nd, 1902, Tiaon, P. I., C 

Company. 
March 1.5th, 1902, Jipa JMountains, P. 

L, I Company. 



1.54 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. 

The Philippine Islands — named after King 
Philip of Spain — were discovered in jNIareh, 
1521, hy the famous explorer, jNIagellan. It 
was during a tight with the natives of the 
island that JNIagellan lost his life. The islands 
were taken possession of in 1.56.5 hy a fleet 
from JMexico. In 1.570 a settlement was ef- 
fected at the mouth of the INIanila River, and 
JNIanila became the Spanish capital. The pop- 
ulation of the Philippines is between eight 
and ten millions, mostly natives, a mixture of 
JNIalays, Chinamen, Japs, negroes and various 
others. The latent wealth of the islands is im- 
mense. 



15G REMINISCENCES OF THE 



UNITED. 

In the rice fields and the marshes, 
'Neath the hurning troj^ic sky. 

Where so many brave have fallen 
And the helpless wounded lie, 

There the darling- of his mother- 
Pier support through earthly strife- 

Upon the nation's holy altar 
Freely gave his fair young life. 



" To the charge " the bugle sounded. 

And the day was almost won 
When the dreaded JNIauser struck him 

And his race of life was run ; 
But a conu'ade stops beside him 

And bending o'er liim as he lay, 
Rests his head upon his bosom 

And waits to hear what he might say. 



SPANlSll-AMElUCAN WAR 157 



" AVheii you send the news to mother 

Tell her I have tried to be 
Such a soldier as was father 

In the days of '03; 
Tell her that I did not falter." 

And his voice is sinking low, 
" In that hour of dreadful carnage 

When we charged upon the foe." 



" Tell her how my gallant conn-ades, 

From the North, South, East and West, 
Fought beneath the same old banner. 

Each as bravely as the rest; 
Tell her that the past is buried, 

Yankeeland and Dixie True 
Are united now forever 

'Neath the old Red, White and Blue." 



158 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



A smile now gathers, he is sleej)ing 

That last long earthly sleep. 
And his comrade looking upward 

Brushes tear-drops from his cheeks; 
The bugle sounds, he cannot tarry, 

But murmurs as he turns away, 
" His father wore the Northern Blue 

My father wore the Southern Gray." 



" Crack! " again the dreaded IMauser 

Speeds upon its wings of death. 
And the fair-haired Southern soldier 

Falls to earth witli bated breath, 
Across the breast of his Northern brother 

As if locked in his embrace. 
Each has answered to the summons, 

And die together, face to face. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 159 



At the breaking of the morning, 

When the cannon's voice was still 
And the rifle no longer echoed 

Through the marsh beyond the hill, 
Lying there as they had fallen 

Upon the marshy blood-red ground, 
By a squad of anxious comrades 

These two noble boys were found. 



In the same grave they are sleeping— 

Not as their fathers slept of old — 
But as comrades, loving brothers. 

Soldiers, fearless, true and bold; 
For the lives of these two heroes 

Healed the wound their fathers made,- 
So let the past be now forgotten, 

In the sacrifice they gave. 



160 REMINISCENCES OF THE 



Thus the graves around ^Manila 

JNIark a turn in history's tide, 
For the sons of North and Southhind 

Lie there buried side by side; 
Their young hves were freely given — 

Xot one tried to shirk or lag — ■ 
That the world may know we are united 

For one Country and one Flag. 

W. B. Emerson, 

Co. C, 51st Iowa U. S. V. 



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